#ella toone

[enwoso]

plus 1 | alessia russo

not a request as such but just a random thought i had:)

masterlist

it was the wedding everyone had been talking about for months: ella toone’s long-awaited big day.

when the invitations had gone out, alessia had barely given you a chance to answer before asking you to be her plus one, and there had never really been any doubt that you’d say yes.

the only downside was that, once the celebrations actually began, you saw far less of your girlfriend than you’d hoped.

as maid of honour, alessia had thrown herself into the role with typical determination, spending most of the day darting between responsibilities, fixing last-minute problems, and making sure everything ran perfectly for her best friend.

so while you were technically there together, you’d spent most of the wedding catching glimpses of your blonde girlfriend across the venue rather than having her by your side.

but you’d made your own entertainment, speaking to ella’s extended family and some of alessia’s teammates and now you had survived exactly four hours of ella's wedding before realising two things.

one: weddings were far more emotional than you'd expected.

and two: alessia russo in a tailored bridesmaid dress should probably be illegal.

you were stood near the edge of the reception venue, drink forgotten in your hand, completely distracted as alessia laughed across the room with some of the other bridesmaids.

she looked ridiculous. never in a bad way but in a devastatingly good way.

her hair curled perfectly and softly away from her face, gold jewellery catching under the lights, cheeks pink from laughing too much all day.

you genuinely couldn't stop staring. next to you, one of ella's cousins who you had been in conversation with before you got distracted had noticed immediately. "you're gone for her, aren't you?"

you blinked, not hearing exactly what they had said. "hm?"

the woman grinned knowingly. "you haven't looked at anything else in twenty minutes."

you glanced back toward alessia just in time to catch alessia already looking at you too. immediate eye contact, an immediate loving smile like it was instinct now.

you felt your chest tighten helplessly. "yeah," you admitted softly, with a knowing smile. "just a bit."

the whole day had felt warm. not just because of the summer weather, the endless champagne or the fairy lights wrapped around the outdoor reception.

just... emotionally warm.

ella had teared up during the ceremony. alessia had cried during ella's vows. half the team had cried because of they were watching their good friend take the next step in life.

not that you would ever admit it aloud but you had spent most of the ceremony watching alessia instead of the actual bride. but hey, who could blame you.. that was your girl.

because every time alessia smiled at ella from beside her at the altar, you caught this tiny glimpse of what alessia would look like on her own wedding day.

and honestly? that thought alone nearly finished you off.

then came the speeches. joe's best man's was chaotic. her mum's was emotional. and alessia's...

you thought she might actually combust halfway through it. you watched her spent nights writing it and rewriting. asking her if she'd give you a sneak peek of what she had written but her claiming it was strictly off limits until the big day.

so watching alessia stand there clutching cue cards with shaky fingers trying so hard to keep composure while talking all things ella and their friendship was so refreshing.

about growing up together. about football. about friendship.

and then she got emotional halfway through. voice wobbling slightly. you watched her laugh through tears while ella cried across the room, and suddenly everyone else disappeared for a second.

but you couldn't stop thinking: "god, i want this forever."

not even with the whole fuss of a wedding necessarily. just alessia. always.

when the time came around for the reception starting and winding down properly, most people had migrated back inside to dance.

you had found yourself at the bar mostly by accident.

the dancefloor had become chaos about twenty minutes earlier after somebody convinced half the guests to attempt some awful coordinated dance routine, and you had escaped before you got dragged into it.

the venue glowed warm around her fairy lights overhead, music humming through the room, people laughing loud enough to echo off the walls.

it was nice. really nice.

"oi."

you turned just in time to see ella appearing beside you, bridal heels already abandoned, veil missing, expression completely smug but glowing like a bride should on their big day.

"the big bride," you greeted solemnly with a smile as you milled over drink options for the night.

"the exhausted bride," ella corrected. "buy me a drink, y/n!"

you snorted at her dramatics as she lay slightly on the bar. "you literally have an open bar." you pointed to the bar you both were stood at.

"exactly. open for you to buy me one."

"that's not how open bars work, els."

ella leaned more dramatically (if possible) against the counter, grinning persuasively. "i'm the bride, y/n. have a heart or i'm telling less you upset the bride"

you sighed heavily knowing ella always used alessia to your expense, as you turned like it physically pained you, "your lucky i like you. one drink then i'm bankrupt."

"that's so generous of you."

a minute later they were both leaning against the bar with drinks in hand while the reception buzzed around them.

ella looked happy. not just wedding-day happy but settled happy. the kind that sat softly in someone. you noticed it immediately.

"you alright there?" ella asked suddenly, changing the topic from her favourite songs.

you blinked. "hm?"

ella grinned into her drink. "you've looked across the room at alessia at least twelve times since we've been stood here."

you glanced over instinctively again and there she was.

alessia stood near the dancefloor with a couple of teammates, laughing at something leah was saying. her hair had started falling loose from dancing, cheeks flushed pink beneath the warm lights.

she looked beautiful. painfully beautiful.

you didn't even realise you were smiling until ella nudged her shoulder. "oh, you are down horrendous."

you laughed softly, taking a sip of your drink. "shut up."

"no seriously," ella continued, delighted. "i've known less for years and i don't think i've ever seen her look at someone the way she looks at you."

you expression softened automatically. because you knew that look. that look across crowded rooms. the instinctive searching for each other. the little unconscious smiles whenever you both caught eye contact. it still got you every time.

"she's had a long season," you said quietly after a second. "i just like seeing her happy."

ella hummed knowingly placing her drink back down on the bar. "and she's happiest with you."

you looked back toward alessia again. almost like she felt it too, alessia glanced over at that exact moment. immediate smile. immediate softening. like the entire room shifted into focus the second she spotted you. you felt your chest tighten stupidly hard.

"oh my god," ella laughed beside her, asking the bar tender for another round of drinks. "that's actually disgusting."

you rolled your eyes but couldn't stop smiling. "she's staring now too," ella informed you, passing another drink with a dainty straw placed down the side of it.

"she's always staring."

"because she's obsessed with you."

you took another sip of your original drink, trying and failing to look unaffected. "i'm aware."

ella leaned closer conspiratorially. "wanna know something funny?"

you looked at her suspiciously, brow raising slightly. unsure with what was about to come out of her mouth. “always concerning when you start a sentence like that."

"before the ceremony less was panicking because she thought you might think she looked weird." ella admitted as she had a slightly smile on face as she waited for your reaction.

you looked genuinely offended. "weird? she looks unreal."

"exactly what i said." ella grinned. "she changed earrings three times."

you burst out laughing, your head immediately imagining the scene taking place this morning having encounter it a few times yourself whenever waiting for alessia to get ready. "no she didn't"

"she absolutely did. then she asked me if the dress made her shoulders look 'too broad.'"

you nearly choked on your drink. "the woman plays professional football for a living and still worries about that?"

ella shrugged dramatically. "love makes people stupid."

you smiled helplessly at that because maybe it did. maybe love was staring across crowded rooms all night like somebody hung the stars specifically for them.

maybe it was knowing exactly where alessia was even without looking. maybe it was how your entire body relaxed whenever alessia touched her.

across the room alessia laughed again at something, head tipping back slightly. you genuinely couldn't take her eyes off her.

ella noticed immediately. "soooo.." she said smugly, dragging the word out, "when are you proposing?"

you this time nearly inhaled her drink, placing the glass down abruptly "jesus christ, tooney."

ella cackled loudly. before you could defend herself, alessia finally made her way over through the crowd, immediately stepping between your knees while she stood against the bar like second nature.

her hands settled automatically on your waist. "you two talking about me?" alessia asked suspiciously, looking more so at ella then you as you placed a quick kiss to the side of her head.

ella took one look at your completely soft expression and lost it laughing again. "oh, absolutely."

alessia shook her head, before slipping back into a conversation with the two of you as she ordered herself another drink from the bar.

—

after sitting and talking with ella and alessia for a bit, they both bolted back to the dance floor when once of their songs came on, alessia pulling you over with a small pout telling you that you hadn't danced enough with her tonight.

even though you hated dancing, you let her drag you through the crowd as she swayed you around for a few songs. but once the dance floor began to die down again you managed to slip outside for some air.

the gardens behind the venue were quieter now. soft music drifted outside through the open doors while fairy lights glowed overhead

ella words of 'when are you proposing' circling your head. now because the words scared you but because it was what you wanted it and maybe this was the first realisation of what reality could be.

not that you hadn't thought about it, cause you had. maybe more than you'd like to admit but you knew alessia was the one for you.

but as you stated of into the distance, letting the cool air drift over you, sound of footsteps behind you. then alessia's arms wrapping around your waist from behind automatically making you jump a little before melting into them when you realised who it was.

"found you." she whispered as she kissed the top of your head.

you smiled immediately, leaning back into her. "you survived maid of honour duties then?"

"barely." alessia groaned dramatically against your shoulder. "i'm exhausted."

"so is this you escaping already?" you teased as you wrapped your arm around her.

"needed five minutes." she mumbled, playing with one of the bracelets on your wrist.

"five minutes away from the wedding?" you questioned as your mind replayed alessia's day just being surrounded with people having the best day ever.

alessia let out a laugh, as a breeze of air drifted past the two of you. "just minutes away from tooney and her walking on broken glass song."

"fair."

for a moment the two of you sat in comfortable silence, the muffled sound of music and laughter drifting through the venue doors behind you.

the evening air was cool against your skin. inside, the dance floor was packed. outside, it felt like the entire world had slowed down.

you glanced sideways at her, she was quiet but you could tell her mind was busy "you okay?"

"yeah." her answer came easily, but there was something softer underneath it.

she looked back towards the venue, a small smile tugging at the corner of her mouth. "its weird, isn't it?"

"what is?" you asked, looking down at her a smile still on her lips.

"ella being married." she answered, still looking ahead as if her mind was replaying all the memories from her childhood of the two growing up together.

you nodded, agreeing, "feels like five minutes ago we were all kids."

"exactly."

alessia laughed quietly. "i spent half the ceremony trying not to think about that."

"you did cry though." you pointed out, the moment replaying in your head as you tried to take your eyes off how gorgeous alessia looked in the moment.

"i was not the only one."

"you were one of the worst."

she nudged your shoulder. "i'll remember that." but you grinned. the venue doors opened briefly as someone slipped outside before disappearing again, letting a burst of music spill into the night.

alessia watched them go before looking back out across the gardens. "its nice, though."

"what is?"

"this."

you raised an eyebrow, not following. "sitting on a cold stone step?"

she rolled her eyes at your sarcasm, "no." you waited for her response to follow as alessia's smile softened. "watching your best friend marry the person she loves."

there was something thoughtful in her voice now. something almost distant. you followed her gaze back towards the glowing lights of the reception.

ella and joe were probably somewhere inside being dragged into another round of photographs or speeches or dances. the whole day had felt like one giant celebration of love.

"i know what you mean," you admitted as alessia hummed.

another few seconds passed then you smiled to yourself before turning pulling alessia in just that little bit closer and for a second neither of you spoke

you both just sat there quietly beneath the lights. alessia looked beautiful still, despite the slightly smudged makeup and tired eyes.

maybe even more beautiful now, more real.

you reached up, brushing a loose curl back behind her ear gently. "you've had a nice day?" alessia asked quietly.

you smiled. "yeah," then softer: "i think it might be one of my favourite days actually."

alessia's expression melted a little at that as she could hear the genuineness in your tone. "yeah?"

"mhm."

inside the venue someone started loudly singing terribly to the music and both of you laughed. then you glanced back toward the reception room where ella and joe were dancing surrounded by everyone they loved.

"you know," you said so casually, just saying what your brain had been thinking all day, "you'll be next."

alessia blinked, thinking she had misheard you. "...what?"

you shrugged lightly like you hadn't just changed the entire atmosphere. "you. us. wedding. eventually."

alessia stared at you for a second. actually stared like you had grown horns on top of your head for a moment.

you then suddenly realised what you'd said and laughed nervously. "okay wow that sounded way smoother in my head..."

"you want to marry me?"

you stopped talking because alessia wasn't teasing. she looked genuinely stunned. soft and hopeful. your expression gentled instantly. "well... yeah." the answer came so naturally it almost surprised you. but it was true, completely true.

alessia looked at you like you'd just handed her the entire world. "you do?"

you laughed quietly. "less, i followed you to three different countries this season and sat through approximately nine hundred ice baths. obviously i want to marry you."

alessia's eyes crinkled at the corners, all emotional again in that way she got. "you're serious?"

you cupped her face carefully. "one hundred percent serious."

for a moment alessia just looked overwhelmed then she leaned forward and kissed you. slow. certain and full of feeling. you felt alessia smiling against her mouth halfway through.

when you both finally pulled apart, alessia rested your foreheads together, laughing softly under her breath. "you can't just casually say things like that."

you grinned. "why? scared?"

"no," alessia said immediately. then quieter "just really happy."

[wosounited]

Here We Go (Alessia Russo x Toone!Reader)

A/n - Reader suffers from dyspraxia and is self conscious about it

“Ella, you are dead” you shouted from inside the changing room, shoving your bag back into your locker and shooting to your feet.

“What on earth have you done?” Alessia frowned at her smirking best friend as they both were just about to walk through the door. Leah emerged from the changing room, looking your younger sister directly in the eye, as if she was exactly who Leah wanted to find.

“I’d run if I were you, Tooney” Leah laughed, trying to shield what was behind the door with her body, making it out like it was a monster trying to escape.

But it was no use, you were gigantic compared to Leah and easily bust the doors open to reveal your best friend, your little sister and her best friend. When Ella got a glimpse of just how angry you were, she took off in a sprint. It was nothing new, you were a hot heat and she was a prankster, and had been pulling shit on you like this since you were kids

She was your annoying little sister and had entered into your life at the fine age of 2. You’d thought you were just starting to get to grips with the world, until Ella was born. You were constantly fighting with each other growing up, as sisters do, but deep down, you both loved and cared for each other, a lot. You had 2 years and almost 2 foot in height over her. You were a big, solid centre back, while she was a small, skilful midfielder.

You both played for Blackburn Rovers together for a little bit and before you knew it, you were being called into development squads, trialing at the top clubs and being pulled into underage England camps. You’d settled at the Manchester City academy and were getting called in regularly to underage international squads. It was at those that you met your now best friend, Leah Williamson. The same Leah that was currently trying to stop you from killing your sister with your bare hands. When you’d gotten easily by Leah, a new set of hands were quick to drag you back.

“You cant kill her” Alessia giggled. You looked down at how your hands were entangled in hers and you lost your train of thought completely.

“She tied my boots and my runners together” you frowned.

Ella knew how to get you each and every time. It started when you were younger, every single thing you picked up, you either dropped or smashed it. After the 1000th mug smashed all over the kitchen floor, your mum and dad decided to take you to a doctor to check everything was alright. While everything was, you were diagnosed with dyspraxia, and Ella took advantage of that any second she could. You could never tie your shoes, always just slipping your feet into them instead of undoing the knots and having to ask someone to redo them.

You were also seen as clumsy, often walking into things, dropping things and forgetting things. Certain people knew, Ella unfortunately being one of them. Leah also knew due to her being your best friend and often having to be the one to help you fix things you had broken. Alessia knew, due to her being Ella’s best friend from a young age, but she somehow always seemed to side with you or be there to help you. Important people also knew too, like coaches and managers. Sometimes, it genuinely was not your fault when you were late to meetings or training.

“Come on, I can fix it” Alessia smiled, tugging you back in towards the changing room by the hand.

Leah already was packed up so she headed off, leaving the two of you alone. The changing room had cleared out by now, most of the girls were already back on the bus. Alessia fixed your laces while you fidgeted with your hands, rambling on about some show Leah had been making you watch every night since you got to camp.

“Should have roomed with me” she smirked, handing you back your runners. She slipped your boots back into your bag as you put your runners on.

“As if Ella would ever let anybody else have you” you laughed.

You almost took Alessia up on her offer to room with her for this camp, but due to the teeny tiny, minuscule fact that you were hopelessly in love with her, you decided it was better not to. She patted her lap for you to put your foot up on so she could tie your shoe and pushed both your feet off of her when she was done.

“Thank you” you smiled.

“Did I mention I’m charging now? That’ll be £20” Alessia giggled. “Per shoe” she added as the two of you grabbed your stuff and headed out to the bus.

You were the last two on the bus and spotted the last two seats that were free beside Ella and Leah, who were caught up in a very serious conversation. Leah, as usual, was grilling her for what she’d done.

“Window or aisle?” You asked the blonde, even though you already knew her answer was aisle.

She tended to fall asleep when you sat together on the bus, and she found it more comfortable to sleep against you than the window. You put your headphones on and Alessia pressed her body against you and started drifting off just as Ella piped up.

“Aw, look at little sleepy Lessi” Ella teased from the seat next to you.

Alessia stuck her finger up at her best friend before resting her hand back down on your stomach. Your relationship with Alessia didn’t phase Ella at all, because she saw Alessia almost like a sister, so in her mind, that’s the relationship you both shared with each other too. What she didn’t know was that her sister was in love with her best friend, and her best friend was in love with her sister.

-

England camp ended, and you were back at Arsenal now to begin preparations for the start of the season. You liked being at Arsenal more so than England. You could concentrate better on your football when Ella wasn’t around, doing her upmost best to piss you off.

“Did you hear then?” Leah asked you in the gym, both of you tucked into the corner lifting weights.

“Hear what?” You asked, dropping the weight in your hand onto the ground, luckily missing both you and Leah’s feet. “Shit sorry” you shook your head, bending over to pick it up.

“Less’ transfer to Arsenal went through, it’s just about to be announced” Leah smiled.

There went the weight again, flying out of your hand and your entire body came crashing towards the ground. Leah was used to you tripping or falling and was mostly always quick to catch you.

“Less is moving here? Like she’s gonna be here every day?” You asked, Leah was still holding you upright and nodding at you with a smile.

“That would be what a transfer would entail, yes” Leah laughed. “I thought you’d be happy? Aren’t you two friends?” Leah frowned at your unimpressed expression.

“She’s friends with Ella” you shrugged, turning away and out of Leah’s grip.

Did it make you extremely anxious that the girl you’d loved for years was about to be with you every single day until one of you left the club? Of course.

You’d met Alessia briefly from being over at your house or on camps with Ella. It was when Alessia joined United that you realised you were head over heels in love with her, but due to her being your sister’s best friend, you’d presumed she was off limits. You tried with other girls, you just couldn’t settle for any of them because none of them were her.

Now, suddenly here she was, at Arsenal, living in the same city and playing for the same club as you were. You thought maybe you could distance yourself from her when she joined, but that plan fell out the window when you were the first one she looked for when she arrived.

“Y/n” she shouted from the end of the corridor as she came running up to you in her Arsenal gear. You couldn’t help but notice how good she looked, clearly heading to a photoshoot.

“Less” you smiled as she jumped into your arms. “Following me to London then, are we?” You laughed as she rolled her eyes and poked your nose.

“I need to head to this photoshoot, but could you wait for me after your session?” She asked as you nodded.

“Are they datin’ or somethin’?” Katie whispered to Leah.

“No” Leah shook her head and gave Katie a weird look as to why she even would ask that.

“Is Alessia single then?” Katie asked, as Leah raised her eyebrows at the woman whose girlfriend was only a few metres behind them. “I’m not askin’ for myself obviously, ye eejit” Katie laughed.

“As far as I’m aware” Leah nodded.

You were back in the gym again today, spending most of it pushing yourself so hard you were beating personal bests left, right and centre. Waiting around for Alessia was like hell due to your muscles aching. That was until she emerged from the media room, still looking as beautiful as ever, a sight you could get definitely get used to seeing everyday. You drove her home that evening, driving by you and Leah’s house on the way and pointing out which one it was. You mentally noted that she lived walking distance from you.

You had been living with Leah since you joined Arsenal 2 years ago. It was easier, mainly due to you never, ever getting a safety deposit back on an apartment or a house. But you were also a surprisingly good chef and Leah could just about manage to clean up, so it worked out the best solution for everyone. You’d also always talked about moving in together when you were younger on England camps, so when the opportunity arose, you both jumped at it.

You dished up dinner, managing not to spill any, as you had fully concentrated swapping the food from the pan to the bowls. Leah brought them over to the kitchen table as you both tucked in.

“Less is only living like 5 minutes from here actually” you mentioned when Leah asked did you get her home okay.

“One of Katie’s friends asked Alessia out” Leah mumbled while shovelling food into her mouth.

“Which one?” You frowned.

“Does it matter?” Leah laughed. “She asked earlier if I knew if Less was single” Leah continued.

You had completely zoned her out as she continued. You didn’t really know how to respond. How did someone just swoop in so casually? How could you be so stupid?

“Wanna watch a movie or something?” Leah asked as she threw the dishes into the dishwasher and began walking towards the living room. Usually she didn’t even ask, you’d be heading in to watch a match or a movie or a stupid show that she liked to watch.

“I think I’m just gonna head to bed. I’m exhausted after today” you lied.

Leah knew by your face the second you said it, that you were lying, but she didn’t pry. You’d never really spoken about girls with her. You would never comment on girls or try to make a move with any girl on a night out. Sure, you’d brought a few girls back to Leah’s house, which Leah could have murdered you for the next morning. But you never seemed interested in them the next day. It led her to believe that you maybe had feelings for someone or that you were just not phased with being in a relationship with anybody right now. Either way, all she knew for certain was she was alone for movie night tonight.

-

When you got downstairs the next morning, you barely took notice of the voices coming from the kitchen. Leah usually had people over in the morning, be it her mum or girls from the team.

“Speaking of Tooney” Leah laughed. “Here’s big Tooney now” she added as you walked through the kitchen.

Sometimes you barely acknowledged whoever it was that was over to see Leah, unless it was her mum, who you loved. But you couldn’t exactly ignore anybody this morning when you were barrelled into the second you walked through the door.

“Good morning” Alessia whispered against you.

“I showed you my house for emergencies, not to come over whenever you wanted” you teased as you pulled her into a similar grip that she had on you.

“That’s fine, I didn’t want a hug anyway” Lotte shrugged with a pretend pout.

“Good, cause you weren’t getting one” you laughed. “Why have you decided to bless us with your presence then?” You asked both girls as you and Alessia eventually broke apart.

“We were going to go for breakfast and thought you would both want to come?” Alessia smiled at you, not even looking towards Leah.

“Yeah sure, give me 5 minutes” you shouted before turning and whacking your shoulder into the door and then tripping up the stairs.

“Two left feet” Lotte laughed as Leah laughed it off with a shrug.

“She can’t help it” Alessia frowned.

“Oh, here we go again” Lotte rolled her eyes as Alessia glared at her to be quiet.

“What?” Leah chuckled.

“Nothing” Alessia snapped. “Just go get ready” she pleaded with the other blonde.

“That is no way to speak to your captain” Leah faked a gasp before thundering up the stairs, stopping at your door to assess your injuries, before heading into her own room to get ready.

“You know it’s so obvious she likes you too, don’t you?” Lotte asked.

“Can you keep your voice down?” Alessia shushed her.

“I’m just saying-” Lotte held her hands up defensively.

“I’ve told you before, I can’t do that to Ella” Alessia shook her head.

“And I’ve been telling you, Ella’s not here” Lotte smirked as Alessia rolled her eyes.

“Ready?” You asked from the door as the pair both shot you a look.

Luckily, you hadn’t heard anything. Lotte walked out of the kitchen ahead of you, her and Leah took off out of the house. Alessia stayed with you while you were locking the door. You kept fumbling with the keys and couldn’t slot the key into the lock properly.

“Do you want me to do it?” She asked as you nodded and gave her the key. She put the key into the lock with ease and locked the door.

“You look nice today, by the way” you smiled as she tucked your key into your pocket. Opting not to hand you it knowing full well you would just drop it the second she did.

“So do you” she giggled.

You walked together towards the café the four of you were heading to. Alessia had always made a habit of holding onto you for when you would eventually trip or stumble that she already had a grip of you. Her arm was linked around your arm, ready with the argument that it was to keep you on your feet if anybody asked.

“Leah told me that Katie’s mate asked you out?” You phrased it like a question but it was more so a statement. You just wanted her to know that you knew.

“Um, yeah he did” Alessia smiled. “Clearly Katie doesn’t know me well enough yet” she laughed. You’d never known what Alessia’s deal was before, if she liked guys or girls or both, but that made it quite clear that she was into girls.

“Clearly” you chuckled, making it sound like you didn’t care, but secretly your heart was doing backflips in your chest. Meanwhile, Lotte and Leah were wrapped up in conversation.

“Wait, seriously?” Leah laughed.

“It’s so obvious” Lotte replied with a chuckle.

“She’s never said anything about Alessia” Leah shrugged. “Then again, she’s never said anything about any girl now that I think of it” she added.

“Alessia never stops talking about her. She just doesn’t want to make a move because of Ella” Lotte informed her.

“Understandable. I’m sure if Y/n does like her, she feels the same” Leah said.

-

As time went on, Leah couldn’t help but notice that Lotte was right. You were in love with Alessia and she felt the exact same way about you. And Jesus, it was so obvious. You were always together, pairing up for drills, having breakfast and lunch, and in the gym. On top of that, Alessia was always over in your house or you in hers since she joined. If you weren’t at each other’s houses you were out doing things like bowling, going to the cinema, getting food or staying together on team night outs.

The night before you were due to England camp, you were rushing out the door, stumbling over your own two feet. Leah came barrelling out of the sitting room towards the hall. You seemed a bit panicked and were sitting on the staircase trying to get your shoes on.

“Come on” you shouted at your shoes. They were always hard to get on, because you just left the laces done and had a daily battle of squeezing into them.

“Hey, hey” Leah gripped your shoulders. “What’s wrong?” She asked. She noticed you were dressed a bit nicer than usual.

“Nothing” you mumbled. “Just these stupid shoes” you groaned.

“Give them to me” Leah smiled softly, holding her hands out to take the shoes off you.

She undid the laces and passed them back to you, only for you to slip them on and promptly stuff the laces into the sides of the shoes.

“Relax, I can do it” Leah said, dropping onto the floor and fixing your laces.

“Thanks” you mumbled as you eventually gave in.

“Mate you look like you are about to pass out” Leah said as she pulled the final bow in your lace and looking up at you. “Speak or you are not leaving this house” Leah warned, placing a firm grip on your shoulder. She was a bit protective of you, even if you were twice her size.

“Less invited me over and asked me to stay” you huf.

“Oh” Leah’s smiled as her face and grip softened. She now understood why you were so stressed, you’d never stayed over in Alessia’s house before.

“Lee, do you think she-” you began, but you were interrupted by a knock on the door.

“Hold that thought” Leah almost shouted, feeling delighted that you were finally opening up to her. Only, she opened the door to reveal the worst person possible that could have arrived in that moment.

“Surprise” Ella shouted.

“Ella” you said, standing up quickly.

“I’m just about to head to Less’ but just said I would stop in and say hello” she smiled, stepping in quickly to hug you.

“Why are you dressed up all nice?” She laughed.

Your heart sunk, because you felt like such a dickhead. You’d let Ella become a second thought the last while when you were spending time with Alessia. You looked at Leah for an answer, she was a better quick thinker than you.

“She’s got a date” Leah piped up.

Idiot.

“Oh? Do I know her?” Ella teased as you frowned at her. “Well, drop me to Alessia’s on the way then, will you?” She asked as you nodded and grabbed your car keys.

When you got to Alessia’s house, you debated going in with Ella but you didn’t want to sound weird. On top of that, Ella was really quick to get out of the car.

“You’ll collect us in the morning then, yeah?” She asked.

“Yeah” you nodded.

“See you then” she slammed the car door and skipped up to Alessia’s house.

When Ella got to the door, Alessia was happy to see her, sure, but she wasn’t expecting that Toone sister to be the one at her door tonight.

“Tooney” she gasped as she pulled her into a hug. “What are you doing here?” She laughed.

“Sorry are you heading out?” Ella asked, looking the girl up and down, she was dressed up nicely too. “Is it date night in London or something?” She laughed, heading further into the house.

“What do you mean?” She asked.

“I went to Leah and Y/n’s and she was heading out on a date. She dropped me here” Ella laughed.

“I didn’t think Leah was dating” Alessia giggled, gaining some understanding why you probably wouldn’t come over now that you’d seen Ella was here.

“No, Y/n” Ella corrected her.

“Y/n is going on a date?” Alessia asked her.

“I know. The poor girl that is going to have to suffer through that date with her” Ella teased. “Oh you cooked dinner” Ella sung as she slipped into the kitchen.

Leah was still waiting for you in the hallway when you got back.

“What were you saying?” She asked when you got home.

“I don’t wanna talk about it” you shook your head and stomped upstairs, slamming your door shut.

-

It was silent the next morning as you both shuffled into the car. You opted to drive and Leah willingly being the passenger and car DJ. Usually, she would get into the back when you got to Alessia’s house and let the blonde sit in the front. She realised early on that Alessia sitting beside you made you happier than when she did. But when she went to grab the door handle this time, you placed your hand on her leg to get her attention. You’d known each other long enough at this stage to know by the other’s facial expressions alone what they wanted.

“Okay” she whispered, dropping her hand back to her side and staying put in the front, while the other two hopped into the back. Alessia was a bit confused when Leah stayed seated in the front, staring straight ahead.

You were quiet on the drive to St. George’s Park, as was Alessia. Leah and Ella were their usual chatty selves, talking about the league and the upcoming fixtures. When you arrived, the two waltzed on in ahead of everyone. Leah liked being early due to her being the captain, and Ella liked to be early to be the first one at the food.

“I heard you went on a date” Alessia mumbled on your walk into the complex.

Ella and her big mouth.

“I didn’t” you shook your head. “I was on my way to you when Ella showed up. She asked why I was dressed nice and Leah said I had a date” you shrugged.

“So, you didn’t have a date?” She asked as you shook your head again. You swear you heard a breath of relief slip past her lips but you thought you were just being delusional.

You got caught up when you got to camp, Alessia being pulled off by Millie, Mary and Maya. Meanwhile you were practically picked up by Lucy and carried straight for food. England camp was nice, the squad all got on really well. But since the last time you were all together, you and Alessia had grown closer and were practically always together.

“Tooney, has Lessi forgot which Toone she’s friends with?” Lucy laughed, looking over at you and Alessia eating lunch.

Alessia was almost crying laughing at something you were telling her. Ella frowned at the sight of the two of you, which was quickly caught by Leah.

“All alright Tooney?” She asked, pushing the younger girl towards the line for food while everyone else was already sat down eating.

“There’s something going on between them, isn’t there?” She mumbled.

“No” Leah shook her head. “But it’s obvious they like each other” she added as they both looked towards the two of you again.

Alessia was trying to take food off of your plate and you were laughing at her. You were holding her hand in the air with one hand and using the other one to swat her away.

“Okay, so they like eachother” Ella agreed. “Why haven’t either of them made a move then?” She asked as Leah looked at her like she was dumb. “Me?” Ella frowned.

“Obviously. It’s your best friend and your sister. They’re hardly going to get together, because they care about you more than their feelings for each other” Leah shrugged.

“You said the other day she was going on a date though?” Ella asked as Leah shot her a look. “Alessia was the date” Ella realised.

“I don’t think they were labelling it a date” Leah corrected her.

“How long have they been like that?” Ella asked, looking back over at you both. You were both now picking up the food that was all over the floor, both laughing after Alessia reassured you it was okay.

“Now that I think of it, haven’t they always been?” Leah tilted her head in thought.

“Okay, so I’ll just go tell them both that I’m fine and they can-” Ella began to walk towards you both but Leah pulled her back.

“Jesus Christ Tooney, no” Leah grunted. “We need to come up with some kind of plan” she added.

“Well, what do you suggest?” Ella frowned.

-

As the days progressed, Ella was getting more used to the both of you and the way you acted around each other. Although she’d never in a million years have put you two together, when she saw how you both were around each other, she knew she couldn’t get in between that. You just seemed to enjoy each other’s company and looked really comfortable around the other.

Ella and Leah had made a plan, and it involved getting the entire team together without them knowing the ulterior motive was for you and Alessia to admit your feelings for each other. They’d organised a games night for the team, and drew names at random to make pairs. Without thinking of how unfair it was pairing you and Alessia together, you smiled at the giggling blonde as you made your way beside her.

“That’s not fair. Y/n and Lessi are the most clumsy pairing ever” Lucy laughed.

“The hat has chosen” Leah snapped. The hat in no way chose, they had marked your papers to know which two to pull out.

You and Alessia were almost knocked out straight away. You could barely hold the table tennis paddle correctly, never mind playing the game. And against Niamh and Lauren? You had no hope. There was so much going on in the room when you’d lost the game, people were screaming and shouting in all different directions. You made a quick escape, opting to go on a walk of the grounds until games night was over.

“Hey, Y/n” Alessia called after you, closing the door behind her to quieten the chaos that was unfolding inside. “Where are you going?” She asked.

“I was just going to go for a walk” you gestured towards the door so she knew you meant outside.

“Can you just give me a minute to grab a jumper? I’ll come with you” she smiled. She was just in a T-shirt and a pair of joggers, but you didn’t really want to wait. You just really needed some air.

“Here, just take this” you took off your hoodie and shoved it into her hands. She threw it on without a word and followed after you as you took off at pace out the main door.

“Y/n, can you wait?” she laughed as she was struggling to put your jumper on as well as walk after you.

“Y/n” she shouted as she caught up to you and pulled your hand back.

Your eyes fell straight to her lips as you turned to face her and maybe you would have noticed that’s where hers fell to, if you were looking at them.

“Are you okay?” She whispered as you nodded and took a breath. You’d at least gotten out of the complex and were out on the path, right at the beginning of the walking route

“Less, I-” you began, but she instantly pressed her lips against yours. You pulled away after a few seconds. “As much as I want to, I can’t do it to Ella” you had your hand against her, making sure she was an arms length away from you now.

“No, you’re right. I’m sorry” she began to mumble.

“Ella gives you both full permission, just fucking do it” your sister shouted from the window, with a laughing Leah giving you a thumbs up.

“Y/n, I’ve been in love with you for the longest time” Alessia said, holding the hand you’d pressed against her as you let it drop down in her hold.

“I’m in love with you too” you smiled as she kissed you again, this time gripping your neck as you gripped her waist.

“It’s about time” Lotte shouted.

“They purposely put us together, didn’t they?” You realised as Alessia giggled and nodded at you.

“Are we walking then?” She asked, putting her hand out for you to take.

You slipped your fingers into hers and pulled her along the walking path. She would never break tradition of holding onto you while you walked together, but she was definitely happy to have your hand comfortably in hers now.

“Well that worked” Ella smirked as you both walked away out of sight.

“Our plan was to have them work as a team, realise they work well together and then-” Leah frowned before Ella interrupted her.

“That was your plan. My plan was to make them lose right away and let Y/n get annoyed and walk away” Ella laughed.

“You sure do know how to piss her off” Leah chuckled.

-

When you got back to Arsenal, you and Alessia made it official and within a few months, you’d moved out of Leah’s and in with Alessia. You got your revenge on all of Ella’s teasing when the Arsenal fans used their old chant at United for you and Alessia now at Arsenal.

“Here we go, Big Tooney and Lessi Russo”

[nepher-forget]

When you're ready

Lionesses × teen!reader

4k words

Summary: Reader is a kid from a bad home life. She gets neglected and abused. The team just noticed that she has trust issues and doesn't open up. Leah being the good cap she is, takes her under her wing.

Warnings: mentions of abuse, neglect and bad childhood. Anxiety and disassociation. Mentions of scars and bruises.

Masterlist

Part 2 is out: The ones who stay

You arrived at the last camp before the Euros late. What had made you late? Exam season… School was your biggest enemy as a young football player. At only 16 you were definitely a lot younger than most women that had been called up, especially so short before the 2025 Euros. The call up had confused you, your trainer and your social worker. But luckily she had signed papers and you had been allowed to go.

The coaches had asked if you could travel alone and you just said yes. So you had spent the last eight hours on trains and buses… the closest bus station was still 1.3 miles away from the hotel. So you had just quietly shouldered your backpack, grabbed your suitcase and walked 30 minutes alongside the road. The weather was shit, like always, it wasn't a really bad rain, more like a slight drizzle that was just hard enough to get you completely wet by the time you arrived at the entrance to the hotel.

The staff member at the door didn't want to let you in at first but after you quietly said your name he did… Now you stood near the entrance in the lobby. Wet, cold and utterly alone. This hotel was crazy luxurious. It was a Hilton after all, but still. You were used to shitty, small foster homes and crazy group homes this wasn't your scene.

The hotel staff had called someone from the team's staff members. And a young woman walks to you…”God you're all wet. How did that happen?”

You shrug a tiny bit and quietly mumble. "It's okay.” And the staff member shrugs unsure, not quite sure what to say to that. So she nods and hands you a room key with the number 218 on and tells you to go to your room. You just nod a tiny bit and grab the key tightly. The woman vanished again, leaving you alone and lost once more.

Quietly and unsure on how to act in such a big and luxurious building you walk around till you find stairs, you hadn't seen the elevator or at least didn't realize it was an option. So you carried your suitcase up two flights of stairs. You're still soaking wet but you don't make a sound as you push the door to the hallway open and walk down the long hallway quietly. As you walk down the hallway quietly it's empty. 217, 218… you fumbled with the key card till you finally opened the door and slipped inside. The room was nice. Beautiful, furnished well and clean. You put your suitcase down and touched the bed unsure. It almost seemed too nice. On the table was the schedule… in 30 minutes would be a meeting. You didn't really want to go but you knew you had to. So you changed.

23 minutes later you were in front of the meeting room. Now wearing a faded band tee, loose fitting jeans and old cherry red converse that already has a few signs of tear and were a size too small.

You didn't speak when you arrived at the meeting. Not really at least. Just a quiet hi when Sarina greeted you and introduced you to the team… you listened as Sarina discussed the plans for the camp and told everyone to welcome you warmly. Then she leaves so the team can get to know you.

The first to react to you in any way was Georgia Stanway, she offered you a fish bump. You didn't really react to it, confused by the action and didn't first bump her back but you nodded a tiny bit.

“Well you've got the deer in headlights look down to pat, don't you bambi?” Ella Toone joked, most of the team cracked a smile at that and even your lips twitched a tiny bit. Unwilling but it just happened. They start conversations about training and the schedule, trying to offer you a way into the conversations… they didn't actually name you out to speak up, but they did glance your way in hopes of you speaking.

But mostly? You stayed silent.

Everyone noticed. They just didn’t know what to do with it. So they left you alone for now… most of the older players hoped it was just first day jitters, especially since you're so much younger than the rest and the younger players were just confused about how quiet you were.

Dinner comes and some of them try again.

Grace for example she sits down beside you with all her energetic way. “Hey I'm Grace. It's nice to meet you.” You glance at her nodding a bit and then quietly go back to eating. She blinks for a second. “Well… uh… are you okay?” She asks unsure and you just nod again. So she ends up talking with other players… and the other few players who had tried to talk also gave up. Alessia Russo had lasted the longest. She had talked with (at) you for close to five minutes. Just telling you about herself, her experience at camp, who to go to when you needed help… but after getting no response she ends up just telling you to eat up and tell her if you need anything, before she goes back to chatting with her friends.

It was quiet again around you. You preferred it that way. At least that's what you told yourself. Silence was safer. People can’t hurt you if they can’t reach you. That's something you had learned over the years and years of foster homes, group homes and failed adoptions. Building bonds and trust is what breaks you, more than the hits, the screams and the touches did.

You didn't notice your new captain glancing at you as you ate. She just took you in. The slightly damp hair, the faded shirt, the loose fitting pants and the worn down shoes. Either you had a very grungy style or you just had very neglectful parents that didn't buy your properly fitting clothes. Leah watched as you didn't speak, just nodding or shaking your head.

The next few days you drew more into yourself. You didn't make any effort to bond with anyone or to speak up during training. So most of them just left you alone. They spoke to you during training, to give you corrections or call out for passes… but other than that you were left alone.

Everyone did that… everyone but Leah Williamson... she didn’t leave you alone. For some reason the blonde defender, your new captain, just stuck around. She didn't smother you like some grown ups did in your past. She didn't hover around or crowd you. She didn't ask any of those stupid questions every grown up always asks.

Not once did Leah ask. “Are you okay?” “Do you want to talk about it?” or “Why are you so quiet?”... Leah just was there. She showed up quietly, in simple ways. So simple that you barely noticed it at first.

It started with breakfast. To be honest the breakfast bar was overwhelming. There were pancakes, different types of eggs, an omelette bar, fruit, Joghurts, granola, breads, dozens of cheese, meats and spreads… it was too much for you. So you mostly stuck to toast, sometimes with cheese, sometimes even choosing the cheese was overwhelming. On your third morning in camp Leah walked past you and just quietly placed a banana next to your untouched toast. You go to look up at her but she's already walking past. She had just decided for you that you needed a banana… at lunch it was a second sandwich with some cheese and salad… and at dinner a bowl of fruit salad. It was subtle and confusing. She never said anything about it, just did it. And deep down you appreciated it. It saved you from making so many decisions and she chose yummy food so it was okay. At that point you didn't know that Leah herself was a really picky eater and just chose some of her safe foods.

It happens during recovery next. A water bottle gets pushed in your hand even when you didn't grab one. At first it's just the water bottle, then on the fourth day a granola bar. Once again she doesn't say anything. She doesn't touch you. She just hands it over quietly before going back to speaking with some of her friends. But she still watches. She notices that you don't eat the chocolate bar with peanuts but that you love the one with dried berries, so she stocks up on those. You always grab the red Gatorade, never the blue one…

And she still noticed that none of your clothes fit correctly. She was glad you had gotten a training kit from the staff so at least your clothes during training were good. But your clothes on your off time. They didn't fit and looked like they're holding by the last thread… even your cleats looked two sizes too small. But when Lucy had noticed and went to check by touching your leg you had flinched away. After that not one of them dared to bring it up or touch you again.

But Leah still stayed. At team meetings she always made you sit beside her, which apparently used to be Keira's chair, but one glare from Leah had just the redhead up and she moved to sit next to Georgia. She knew you didn't like to be touched or when someone moved too fast. So she didn't. Not once did her knees brush against yours. She just sat there, her back straight and leading the meeting. Like she was a steadfast presence nobody could away and nothing could shake. And admittedly you liked it. It felt like her presence wrapped itself around you like a warm blanket.

And not once did she try to touch you.

Not once.

Not until you let her.

It was on your eighth day in camp. It had rained the entire day, heavy pounding rain that sounded like footsteps against the windows. Just as heavy as the sound of the rain settled over the entire compound. A heavy feeling had settled over you. So you ran and hid like you always had done.

You weren't in your room for lights-out. Nobody noticed it since usually they didn't check every single room, because everyone here but you was grown ups… but even when no one else noticed you had vanished…

Leah Did.

She didn't alarm anyone and just quietly walked around. She checked the cafeteria, the game room, the diary room and the pitch. She just walked around quietly looking for you in all the hiding spaces she can find. The last room she cheeks is the physio room.

That's where she found you, curled up behind a stack of folded towels. Knees tucked to your

Chest, sleeves pulled over your hands, eyes wide and unfocussed. You were completely out of it, disassociated.

Leah didn't say anything. She didn't gasp, try to touch you or even try to coax you to get up and back to the hotel room. She just sat down beside you, back pressed to the cool cabinet, legs stretched out in front of her. “I’m just going to stay here.” She said quietly. Her voice was soft and gentle. “Until you feel safe.

And she did.

Minutes passed. Then maybe an hour. You didn’t know. You just knew that for the first time in forever, someone was there, and they weren’t *asking* for anything. Not answers. Not apologies. Not explanations. She just sat there in silence with you as you tried to come back to yourself. As you tried to feel real again.

She didn't offer words of comfort or touch. Or anything that you had ever been offered by any of the adults before. They usually just tried to throw a blanket at you or fix it with some words but it never fixed anything. But Leah didn't do that. She didn't offer any of those things.

Just presence.

And when your breath eventually evened out and the buzzing behind your eyes faded, she was still there. You moved your head a tiny bit to look at your captain. She was just sitting there quietly before suddenly.

“You don’t have to talk,” she said. “Not until you’re ready.”

You didn’t answer at that point, but you looked at her again and then you shifted, just a tiny bit. Till your shoulders touched.

Leah didn’t move away.

The next morning when she once again put down an apple next to your breakfast she also slipped you a note. You open it and quietly read it. “You were brave last night. I'm so proud of you. - L.”

A tiny smile tugs at your lips as you glance on her to where Leah sits with Keira Walsh and co. The note skipped into your pocket and you kept it there for the rest of the day before putting it into a book of yours that night.

The other players noticed what she was doing and slowly followed her lead. Slowly but surely one by one adjusted the way they acted around you. They didn't force you to adjust, they just adjusted the space.

Keira didn’t press when you shook your head at her card game invitation. She just nodded, slid the deck back into the box, and made sure there was always an empty seat at her table the next day.

Hemp left you notes on your water bottles, scrawled in smudged marker, always in capital letters like she was shouting kindness at you:

"YOU'RE A BALLER. JUST SAYING."

"DRINK THIS OR I’LL HUNT YOU DOWN (with love)."

You never caught her leaving them. But you always smiled when you found them and you are pretty sure she knew that…

Alessia offered you her hoodie after a rainy training session, wrapping it around your shoulders like muscle memory. It smelled like fabric softener and something sweet. She never asked for it back and when you offered it back after it had been washed she just shook her head and pulled it over your head. Saying quietly ‘It’ll keep you cozy and warm during the cold days. Better than that old jacket of yours.’ and so you kept her hoodie.

Tooney plopped a sticker book in your lap during downtime and said. “For emergencies.” You flipped through it hesitantly, unsure of the joke, until she peeled off a glittery giraffe and stuck it to your forearm with a grin wide enough to make your chest ache. You didn't remove it from your arm. Instead you wore it like a temporary tattoo for the rest of the day.

Lucy one afternoon sat down and quietly helped with your Spanish homework. She didn't make you read out loud, just let you point to the hard parts and she'd explain them. Same with Math… and after that she just spends an hour every single day helping you with your schoolwork.

No one asked you to speak.

No one asked where you came from or why your hands shook when the volume got too loud. No one demanded you explain the scars no one was allowed to see, and they all worked hard to ignore them. Yet they all worried. They just wanted you safe. You were their new team baby now. Their little lion cub.

And it worked. Impossibly slow and tentatively you found yourself reaching back. A shy nod at breakfast when someone greeted you. A small thank you when someone hands you something or tells you that you'd done good.

And stickers… those stickers Tooney gave you became your communication. At first they only found them on papers you left them, but then you also placed them on their water bottles, phone chargers and similar… it was like you wanted to share a tiny bit of you with them. But none of them minded. Even if their water bottles were now covered in glittery stickers and animals. There were a lot of Tiny things.

But in a life you had built on silence and loneliness, they meant everything.

You ended up being called up to the official Euros squad. It had been a big surprise for you and everyone else, but you were relieved. It meant weeks away from your shitty new foster home. Weeks away from an unstable and dangerous home… weeks with Leah and the other girls who seemed so safe and warm. You felt happy at the thought of going to the Euros with them.

The first few weeks went okay. Similar to how the last few weeks at the last camp went. You were quiet but at least reacted, sometimes you'd whisper an answer. Keira also finally convinced you to play a card game with her… It was fun, you didn't get the rules at first, but Lucy took a seat beside and quietly helped you. You glanced at the older defender and she just smiled encouragingly when you showed her a good card. So far you hadn't gotten any game time during the games tho, you hadn't expected anything else to be honest, after all you're 16.

When the quarterfinal against Sweden came it was a rough game. They were up by 2 in the first half, before luckily Lucy and Michelle were able to equalize in the second half… So you went into extended time. And suddenly Sarina called your name from the bench with only the second half of extended time left, your entire body locked. Your eyes went wide and you were still. Luckily it was the short 5 minute break for drinks.

You weren’t ready.

You weren’t.

Not for the crowd. The pressure. The weight of over 22.000 eyes on you

And Leah saw it, of course she did. She was already at your side before you stood. Gently guiding you to the touchline, just far enough that no one else could hear. You stare up at the older defender as she guides you through warm ups and pulls the jacket off of you.

“You’re safe,” she said, her hands hovering near your shoulders. “You’re not alone. Just play. We’ve got you.”

You looked at her. She looked so safe and sure of your abilities. You let her touch your face, just for a second, almost waiting for the panic to set in. But it didn't come.

There was no panic. No fear.

It was just warmth and attention.

And when she smiled encouragingly to tell you that you've got this, you nodded.

Then the game continued and you were subbed for Lucy who offered you a hug as you ran in, which surprisingly for everyone you took.

The game continued in a blur. You defended your goal like a brick wall. Stepping into the big shoes Lucy had left for you to fill when you were subbed for her. You locked down on your job and slid left and right to keep your goal safe. Sometimes you also sprinted more to the front passing Alessia, Chloe and Michelle balls in the hopes they'd score… they didn't so far. You didn't score again. So after the 15 minutes you played it went into a penalty shootout. You could feel the dread set in. So far you did play well. But this was your first cap for the England senior team and it would now go into a penalty shootout. In the knockout round of the Euros… and you were only 16.

The shootout started. One by one they stepped up. After 5 shoots it still was 2:2…. So it continued. Grace Clinton didn't manage to get one in, and the next Swede also didn't… you look around sure. Did you have to take the next one?

When nobody stepped up immediately you shuffled forward unsure before you forced yourself to take a deep breath. The Swedish keeper smirks a bit, like she thinks a kid your age can't get one past her and for some reason it makes you damn mad. You put the ball down and suddenly you are hyper focused. You get into position and just shoot. The ball flies incredibly fast and curls beautifully into the net. You put the team up 3:2… if the next Swedish player didn't get one in you'd be through. You stumble back to my team wide-eyed.

For the first time you let Grace hug you to her side, the older girl was a hugger, she always hugged everyone. And you were so shell shocked that you had managed to score on the Swedish keeper that you didn't even panic….

The Swedish girl Smilla Holmberg steps up. She's 18.. and she doesn't score on Hannah… she hits the post. Which leads to the Lionesses getting into the semifinals and then being knocked out of the game.

The game ended in a blur. You had scored. You did your job. And when the final whistle blew and the girls cheered, you stood off to the side, uncertain and still in shock. Sweet Caroline was playing and you saw your new friends celebrating. Grace was running around excitedly… while the Swedish players were crying.

You took a deep breath and walked up to one of the Swedish players that you had always admired, Magda Eriksson. “Pardon?” You say shyly and unsure. Was it rude to approach her now? But she turned around and her eyes softened a bit as she realized it was the new wonder kid from England and not some grown up. You continue your voice very shaky. “Can we switch shirts, maybe? If you want… I'd understand if you don't… I just really admire your way to play… it's the reason why I play in defense.” You whisper and even though she looked so upset and was still crying a bit from the loss the woman nodded and you exchanged shirts. She didn't say anything but you also didn't say anything more and just shyly left.

By this time Leah jogged over to you. She didn’t hug you, still knew better than that. Even if she had seen how Grace hugged you after your goal, she was pretty sure that you were in shock at that moment, so she wasn't gonna risk it. But she held her hand out, palm up, waiting. And then you took it. She quietly led you back into the locker room where the others were celebrating their victory in the quarter finals. In the quiet chaos of the locker room, after the laughter faded and your head stopped spinning, you turned to her, voice cracked and quiet.

“Leah?” You whispered and your captain looked at you. It was the first time you said her name and she smiled adoringly.

“Yes babygirl?” She asked gently with one of the many nicknames the team had dubbed you over the last few weeks. You'd probably never hear your real name again if these women had a word in it.

Leah saw something flash in your eyes. A whisper of hope… but also fear.

“You won't send me away again?” You whispered quietly. But Leah understood so did the other girls who had noticed something significant was going on and quieted down. Lauren James had even turned the music off so you didn't have to speak so loud.

Leah met your eyes. Her voice was steady and kind and real.

“Never, you're a lioness baby. A small one that still needs to grow into it but you're one of us.”

You didn't look around the room but you knew that all the women in this room were nodding or similar. Not one of them was ready to ever give you up. You had found your place. In between soccer balls, too small cleats and the crazy of 23 women living in 12 hotel rooms…. But this was safe and warm and it was yours.

[wosoverse11-23]

Off The Record || Ella Toone x Detective Sister!Reader x Alessia Russo

After months of silence following a night that changed everything in Switzerland, Alessia Russo and Ella Toone's sister meet again at a seemingly innocent dinner.

​Based on this request -> here, I hope you like it!!

Masterlist

---

Dinners hosted by Ella were rarely quiet.

Ella insisted on calling them “chill plans,” as if that could erase the fact that they always ended up turning into a chaotic mix of overly loud laughter, overlapping conversations, and at least one absurd argument about football that no one remembered starting.

Alessia knew this.

And yet she had agreed to come.

Maybe because it was summer and London felt strangely light that night. Maybe because she hadn't run into several of the girls in weeks.

Or maybe—and that possibility was much more uncomfortable to admit—because when Ella casually mentioned that perhaps her sister might show up, something in her stomach had tightened before she could help it.

The restaurant was filled with the elegant murmur of glasses and low conversations. Warm light. Small candles. Barely perceptible music.

Ella was talking animatedly from the other side of the table while Leah and Lotte argued about some impossible play that probably only they understood.

Alessia slowly twirled the glass between her fingers.

"You're missing the conversation on purpose," Taylor commented, watching her over the rim of her glass.

"I'm participating."

"Liar."

Alessia let out a tiny smile. "I'm tired."

"Uh-huh."

Taylor studied her for a second longer.

Too perceptive for her own good.

"Are you expecting someone?"

The question came so casually that it was almost unfair.

Alessia took a small sip before answering. "No."

Taylor arched an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced.

Luckily, Ella interrupted before she could keep questioning.

"She’s taking too long," she complained dramatically while checking her phone. "I told her that if she didn't come in person, I was going to get her."

Alessia felt the name even before hearing it.

As if her body had learned to recognize it before her head.

"She works too much," Ella continued, shaking her head. "Honestly, I think the police station adopted her."

A small laugh went around the table.

Alessia tried to smile too.

She tried.

Because there was something uncomfortable about hearing people talk about you as if you were still a normal part of her life.

And maybe that was the most ridiculous thing of all.

It wasn't that you two had stopped knowing each other.

It wasn't enmity. Not even a fight.

It was worse.

Because silence was much harder to explain.

Before, you used to talk. Not always. But enough.

Occasional texts. Jokes when Ella organized gatherings. Unexpectedly long conversations about any silly thing while waiting for Ella to show up late to her own plans.

Alessia had learned to recognize your dry humor. Your exhausted way of smiling after long shifts. The way you seemed to observe everything before speaking.

And after Switzerland…

Nothing. No fight. No closure.

Just a distance so carefully constructed that it hurt to admit how much she had noticed it.

Her fingers tightened slightly around the glass.

July.

The memory appeared without asking for permission. Confetti. Overly loud music.

The glorious weight of the trophy still running through the entire hotel like live electricity. And a pair of tired eyes looking at her from the other side of the VIP lounge.

Alessia pushed the thought away before letting it go too far.

Not yet. She didn't want to go back there just yet.

"Look who decided to honor us with her presence."

Ella's voice cut through the noise at the table.

And everything inside Alessia went still.

It was almost automatic.

She looked up, and there you were.

Dark coat over your arm. Hair still slightly damp, as if you had stopped by home in a rush before coming. The tiredness was still marked under your eyes, softened only slightly by the warm light of the restaurant.

Something stupid and far too familiar settled in Alessia's chest.

Because the problem had never been no longer seeing you.

It was that you still felt just as easy to find in any crowd.

Ella practically threw herself toward you.

"Look who decided to show up!"

Your small laugh arrived seconds later.

And Alessia hated the instant relief it brought her to hear it.

"I missed you too."

"You're late."

"I'm here, aren't I?"

Ella stepped back just enough to look at you. "I was moments away from personally coming to kidnap you."

"Dramatic."

The conversations around continued as Ella dragged you toward the table.

Alessia watched without wanting to watch.

The tired way you said hello. The automatic politeness. That almost imperceptible gesture of scanning the room before settling into it.

And then your eyes found hers. Just a second. But it was enough.

Because for an instant, the glasses, the music, the conversations vanished.

And in their place appeared something much more dangerous.

White sheets. A quiet room. Your low voice in the middle of the early morning.

Alessia's heart stumbled against its own ribs.

Too fast. Too familiar.

Ella, completely unaware of the emotional disaster she was managing, gently pushed you into the empty seat next to her.

"At least she changed her clothes. Last time she was wearing that leather jacket that smells like old police station coffee."

Alessia barely heard the laughter.

Because suddenly you were too close.

The clean perfume. The accidental brush of your arm as you sat down. And that absurd bodily awareness that she hated not having forgotten.

You settled in with quiet movements.

Controlled.

As if nothing between you two had changed. As if you had never stopped talking.

Alessia held your gaze for just an instant before speaking. "Hey."

Your attention shifted to her automatically, a bit surprised.

"I thought the earth had swallowed you whole." Her voice came out softer than intended.

A small smile appeared on your mouth. And it was worse. Because she still knew exactly what those smiles looked like.

"The earth tried," you said, settling the napkin on your lap. "But it seems it still doesn't want to take responsibility for me."

Alessia's lips curved just slightly.

Small. Involuntary.

Because to her, that was what was unfair. That even after months, it was still so easy to feel thrown off-balance around you.

The conversations resumed their course around the table. Something about holidays. About the next national team camp. Some gossip someone had found out about.

Alessia tried to concentrate. She really tried.

But it was complicated when your presence occupied too much space even without doing anything.

It didn't help that you were sitting so close.

Nor that you still smelled faintly of soap and that soft perfume that characterized you. Nor that, for some unbearable reason, you still looked exactly like the type of person who belonged to long nights and private conversations.

"Are you still alive or has the police station already declared you state property?" Lotte asked from across the table.

Your small, amused exhalation came before the answer. "They still let me out under supervision."

"A miracle," Leah chimed in.

"Don't encourage her," Ella said. "Then she thinks she's interesting."

"Too late."

The laughter circulated again.

And Alessia caught herself watching you while you spoke.

The quiet way you responded. The tiredness still hidden in your posture.

Everything so normal it was almost irritating.

Because that was what was baffling.

You seemed perfectly comfortable.

As if the months of distance had been insignificant.

As if Switzerland belonged to a different life.

"And you?" you asked then, turning just slightly toward her. "How's summer going?"

Alessia took a second too long to answer. "Good."

Your eyebrow arched just slightly. "How descriptive."

The observation pulled an ironic smile from her.

Terrible idea.

"I learned it from your texts."

And there it was.

Small. Soft.

But enough.

Something tightened between the two of you.

Because before she could stop herself, the phrase had already come out.

And you understood it.

Of course you understood it.

Your fingers went still just for a moment over your glass.

It wasn't dramatic. Probably no one else noticed it.

But Alessia did.

And for an instant, she hated the cruel relief it brought her.

Because at least it meant something.

That she hadn't been the only one feeling the weight of the silence.

Ella, completely oblivious, appeared in the middle of the moment.

"Ah, look, you're already talking!" she smiled exaggeratedly. "I feared I'd have to put you two in family therapy."

"Ella," Alessia murmured.

"What? I just support social reconciliation."

"We're not even fighting," you said, your response coming out automatically.

And Alessia felt something uncomfortable shift beneath her ribs.

Because technically, it was true.

You weren't fighting.

That would have been easier.

Simpler than faking normalcy with someone whose absence she had learned to notice all too well.

By the time dinner came to an end and everyone started saying goodbye, fate seemed to have decided it wanted to pull a good joke on you.

Your sister was watching you with a suspicious naturalness. Very suspicious.

"You're heading north, right?"

You blinked. "...Yes."

"Perfect," Ella repeated, far too pleased with herself. "Then you can drop Lessi off."

Alessia felt something drop straight into her stomach. "Ella—"

"What?" her smile was manufactured innocence. "It's literally fifteen minutes. Besides, with the storm that's brewing outside, no car is going to accept your ride in less than an hour."

Alessia gritted her teeth, keeping her gaze fixed on her best friend while trying, desperately, to decipher if this was just one of Ella's usual thoughtless ideas or if the subtle tension that had floated over the table during the last two hours had been too obvious.

Beside her, you didn't move immediately. There was a fraction of a second in which your fingers, already holding the car keys, stopped their jingling. Your eyes scanned the space between Ella and Alessia, measuring the escape options with that analytical speed that was so unsettling sometimes. But there was no clean way out. Refusing to drive your sister's best friend under a sky that threatened to break over London would have been declaring out loud that, indeed, something was going on.

"I don't mind," you said finally.

Ella clapped once, triumphant. "Look how nice it is when you cooperate."

Alessia wanted to protest again. But the problem was that an embarrassingly honest part of her had already said yes beforehand.

So she ended up adjusting her coat while the group continued to scatter around.

And maybe that was the dangerous part.

That only when the others started disappearing into taxis, cars, and distracted goodbyes did Alessia realize something.

The first time they were going to be left alone since Switzerland was about to happen right now.

From minute one, the car ride was full of awkwardness, the only thing that could be heard was the radio trying to fill the silence.

Alessia didn't know what to say, she had so many things to let out that she didn't know where to start. Her thoughts immediately flew back to that July night in Switzerland after winning the Euros.

The entire hotel was still vibrating after the victory.

Music escaped from the main lounge with overly loud bass, mixing with bursts of laughter, improvised chants, the metallic sound of the trophy constantly changing hands, and the gold medal still heavy on her neck.

Everyone seemed unable to stand still. And Alessia understood why.

They had won.

There wasn't a word big enough to describe it. She had spent most of the night surrounded by cameras, teammates, and endless hugs. Celebrations that blended into one another until they lost their shape.

But even in the middle of all that, she had seen you.

Not immediately. It was later. When she escaped the lounge for a few minutes looking for air.

You were leaning against the bar with a glass in your hands, away from all the chaos. The dim lighting of the hotel drew soft shadows on your face as you absentmindedly watched the movement in the lounge.

You were still wearing your accreditation hanging around your neck. You were dressed in the England shirt with Ella's name and number on it.

Your eyes found hers as soon as she approached. A small smile appearing. The same one that always seemed to reach your eyes first whenever it came to her.

"I thought you had already moved onto the stage," you said.

Alessia let out a tired exhale as she leaned her forearms on the bar. "I considered it."

"And?"

"Too much noise."

"Coward."

Alessia turned her head just slightly toward you. "Says the person hiding at a bar."

An amused exhale escaped you, mixing with the murmur of the music that kept bouncing from the dance floor.

"I have a sister who celebrates for both of us," you replied, taking a light sip from your glass. "Someone has to make sure she doesn't try to steal the team bus tomorrow morning. Tactical strategy."

Alessia laughed, feeling her shoulders truly relax for the first time all night. Being around you always had that effect. It didn't matter if the world outside was exploding, if they had just made history in front of thousands of people, or if photographers were still looking for any angle in the lobby; your presence worked like an anchor. A bubble of silence in the middle of the noise.

They stayed there for a couple of minutes, simply watching the tide of white shirts and confetti flooding the hotel, sharing a closeness that at that moment felt as natural as breathing.

"Your eyes are red, Toone," Alessia commented in a low voice, using the family last name with that confidence that only came from having practically grown up inside your house. "You should go to sleep."

"You're holding a gold medal and you can barely keep your back straight, Russo," you hit back, turning completely to look at her, with a softness in your eyes that gave Alessia a strange flip in her stomach. "Congratulations, by the way. Truly. You did amazing."

The compliment, said in that voice of yours so stripped of media paraphernalia, slipped right under her skin. Alessia swallowed hard, unable to break eye contact. Her fingers, unconsciously fidgeting with the gold metal on her chest, stopped.

"Thanks," she whispered.

Neither of them realized it, but suddenly, the space between the two became too small. The air grew charged with a different kind of static, one that had nothing to do with the championship and everything to do with the years of restrained glances behind Ella's back, with the messages that were deleted three times before being sent, and with that absurd curiosity that both had tried to bury under the label of "friendly complicity."

"Let's get out of here," Alessia blurted out before her brain could process the risk.

Your eyes remained on her. Not alarmed.

Just surprised.

"Is this a kidnapping?" you asked finally, with that quiet irony you used when you needed to hide something behind humor.

Alessia let out a smile. "Depends."

You didn't ask any more analytical questions, nor did you weigh the consequences with the coldness of your profession. You just left the half-finished glass on the wood of the bar, unhooked the accreditation from your neck, and gently took Alessia's hand to leave.

The trip up to the fifth floor where her room was had no words. The digital indicator of the numbers kept rising with a monotonous hum that seemed to amplify the echo of your own breathing inside the metal cabin. The Euro victory faded into the absolute background; the real adrenaline was locked inside that lift with you.

And then, the room.

The sharp click of the door fitting into the frame was the trigger. Neither of you bothered to look for the light switch. In the darkness broken only by the light from the outside corridors, your hands found her waist with an urgency Alessia had never seen from you. You moved with a restrained desperation, tearing down in a single stroke the clean distance you had maintained for years.

Your lips against hers had a hungry taste, and Alessia gave in completely, tangling her fingers in your hair, dragging you toward the bed in a whirlwind of white sheets and breathless gasps.

But the world seemed to slow down just after that. Because, at some point between messy breaths and the adrenaline still running through her body, your hands stopped moving with desperation and went still against her.

That was when the silence appeared.

Not awkward. Just intimate.

The dim light coming in from the city barely outlined your face when you turned your head and your eyes met.

Alessia felt a small flip in her stomach.

Because the problem had never been loving you.

The problem was that now she could no longer pretend this didn't exist.

Your fingers brushed a strand of hair away from her face with a softness that contrasted too much with the intensity of seconds before.

And that was where something shifted. Because until that moment, she could justify it. The euphoria. The cup. The victory. The early morning. The tiredness.

All the irresponsible things that usually accompany unrepeatable nights.

But this had nothing to do with impulses.

Your eyes scanned her face as if you were memorizing it. And Alessia felt fear.

An absurd and completely different kind of fear.

Not of you. But of what came next.

"Less—" Your voice came out low. Almost cautious.

She swallowed hard. "Don't say anything."

The phrase escaped too quickly. Your eyebrows tensed just slightly. Not hurt, just surprised.

Alessia shifted her gaze toward the ceiling. She had spent the night celebrating in front of entire stadiums, and yet this was what had her out of breath.

"Not because I regret it," she clarified immediately, far too fast.

Your eyes returned to her. Waiting.

Always too patient. And maybe that was what ended up disarming her.

"Just..." she let out a small exhale, "I don't want to think just yet."

For an instant, you didn't answer. Outside, the music kept playing against the hotel windows. But inside there, everything had been suspended.

You forced yourself to nod. Without pressure. Without demanding explanations.

"Okay."

Afterward, you didn't talk much. The early morning ended up turning into something unexpectedly quiet. You watched as she settled her head against your chest, you began to draw random shapes on her back while you felt Alessia intertwining your other hand with hers.

They fell asleep like that, with fingers joined and the distant echo of the celebrations fading little by little against the glass. Alessia fell asleep thinking that, at least for a few hours, the future could wait.

Until she opened her eyes at eight in the morning.

The sun's rays were barely starting to enter the room, but the first thing she noticed was the cold. The right side of the bed was completely empty.

Her heart gave an uncomfortable thud. There was no drama. No note left behind like in the movies.

Just an impeccably tidy room. And her phone vibrating on the nightstand.

For a ridiculously hopeful second, she thought you might still be downstairs. That maybe you had gone for coffee. But upon opening the text, she felt her stomach sink.

Y/N: Had to leave early. Work. x

Alessia read the text twice.

And yet, something felt strange. Because you weren't running away. But you hadn't stayed, either.

That was where it all started. Not with a fight.

Nor with a mistake. But with something much more silent. Because the following days were full of airports, press, and celebrations on her end. And you, meanwhile, excusing yourself with work.

Your replies took longer. Hers did too.

Messages written and deleted. Conversations that always seemed to be left halfway.

Until, without realizing it, both ended up building a distance as elegant as it was cowardly.

"You still play with your rings when you're nervous." Your voice finally broke the silence, bringing her back to the present.

She forced herself to blink, realizing that they had already arrived at her house. She let out a soft sigh, surrendering to the evidence, and let her hands drop to the sides of the seat. She knew you well enough to know that your detective eyes didn't miss those details, but the fact that you had mentioned it out loud—with that familiarity Alessia thought she had lost a long time ago—made the atmosphere inside the car shift completely.

Your eyes remained fixed on the windshield for a couple of seconds longer, watching the raindrops burst against the glass and slide down in perfect threads before the wiper cleared them away. The car engine was now turned off, and the lack of outside noise made every little exhale between the two of you heard with an almost painful clarity.

Alessia settled into the seat, leaning her shoulder against the passenger door. The cold from the window seeped slightly through her coat, but she didn't care. She was watching you in profile, taking in the line of your jaw and the way your fingers had finally relaxed their grip on the steering wheel.

"Why did you do it?" she asked suddenly. There was no anger in her voice, just a genuine curiosity that had been choked up in her throat for months.

The question hung suspended between you. Not an accusation. Not a reproach. Just truth.

The silence that followed was not evasive; Alessia recognized it all too well to mistake it. It was the silence of someone who was carefully choosing which part of herself to allow to be seen.

"That depends," you said at last, turning your head. "Which part are we talking about?"

Alessia held your gaze. "Don't do that."

Your fingers slid slowly off the steering wheel and came to rest on your leg.

"I'm not doing anything," you replied in a low voice. "I just want to be sure which version you need to hear."

Alessia dampened her lips before answering. "The one from the hotel. Everything. Did it mean anything to you?"

And for the first time since they had gotten into the car, it seemed like control was slipping away from you just a bit.

You let out a sigh and leaned your head back against the headrest. "Of course it meant something."

The answer came so directly that Alessia stopped breathing.

She hadn't expected it. Not like that.

Her fingers went still on her lap as something uncomfortable and dangerously close to relief rose up her chest.

But then you spoke again. "And that was exactly the problem."

The relief stumbled over itself.

Your eyes drifted toward the fogged-up window.

"I work with things that don't always stay at the office, Less."

She kept silent.

"It's not just horrible hours or calls at three in the morning," you continued. "There are people. Cases. Situaciones that I prefer never reach you. I learned a long time ago that the smartest thing to do is keep a distance between my life and the people I care about."

"So you decided for me?" she asked, and this time her voice carried a hint of bitterness.

"No." There was a pause in which the sound of the storm seemed to grow louder. "I tried to decide for both of us."

"That's not better."

"I never said it was."

The rain filled the silence after that. Your fingers rested still on your leg, but Alessia could notice the tension hidden behind that so carefully trained calm. And for the first time since she had known you, you didn't look like a detective. Just someone exhausted from holding too much.

"Ella doesn't know anything," you said suddenly, breaking the truce.

Alessia blinked, surprised by the turn in the conversation. Her best friend's name falling between you with a different weight.

"I know, she never knew. She wasn't going to find out from me."

"She's your best friend. And she's my sister."

Alessia felt something tighten inside her stomach.

"If this went wrong..." you swallowed hard, "I didn't want to see her caught in the middle."

And then came the part that Alessia didn't expect so quickly. Your honesty.

"I couldn't bear the thought of losing you both."

Alessia watched you for several seconds. A part of her understood it, but the other part was still hurt, because understanding wasn't always enough.

"And you thought this was better?"

Your expression tensed just slightly.

"Disappearing?" she continued, her voice still quiet but trembling underneath. "Leaving me to wake up alone and pretend afterward that nothing happened?"

Your lips parted. "Less..."

"I woke up and you were already gone."

Suddenly, guilt flashed through your eyes before you could hide it.

"I had to attend to a case."

Alessia shifted her gaze toward the rain. "I know."

"But also..." your voice dropped, "I was afraid to stay. I think I was trying to protect myself too."

"And you decided it had already gone wrong before even trying?"

You didn't answer. And that lack of defense was answer enough.

Outside, thunder rumbled in the distance. The interior of the car felt too small now.

Alessia ran her tongue over her lips before asking the only question that mattered. "What do you want now?"

Your eyes met hers. For the first time, you didn't seem to weigh consequences.

Nor scenarios. Nor potential damage.

Just truth.

"I don't know. I just know I've spent months trying to convince myself that staying away was the right thing to do. And seeing you tonight made it much harder."

Alessia's heart gave an absurd thud. Painful, yet at the same time ridiculously hopeful.

"That would have been useful a few months ago."

Your lips curved just slightly. "I'm a detective. Emotional communication was never my strong suit."

A small laugh escaped Alessia's lips, the air shifting between you.

Not lighter. Just more real.

It was in that instant that she understood something fundamental: Switzerland had been an impulse. It had been the adrenaline of the cup, the confetti, the alcohol, and an unreal early morning on the fifth floor of a hotel. But this that was happening under the London storm was something else. This was real. It was much harder, because now both of you knew perfectly well what was at stake.

"Are you still afraid?" she asked in a whisper, leaning just slightly toward the center.

Your eyes didn't leave hers. You didn't lie. You knew that any evasion now would destroy the truce. "Yes."

Alessia nodded just slightly. "Good."

Your eyebrows moved subtly, surprised by her answer. And then she stepped a millimeter closer, letting her breath brush against your cheek.

"Me too."

The silence that followed no longer felt empty. Just full of everything that had been left pending for far too long.

Your eyes dropped for an instant toward her lips, lingering there, but you didn't lean in. Not this time. And Alessia understood why; you had already run away once for making decisions alone, and you weren't going to push her into anything she didn't consciously choose.

It was she who finished closing the distance. Slowly, almost cautiously, letting your breaths mingle first in the darkness of the car. Until finally, your lips met.

Nothing like the one in Switzerland. Not desperate. Not urgent. It was a slow, warm kiss. But above all, sincere.

Your hands found her face with a softness that completely disarmed her, and for the first time in months, she stopped feeling abandoned inside something that had never truly ended.

When you separated by just a few centimeters, neither of you spoke right away. There was no need. Your fingers kept brushing the line of her jaw, reluctant to lose contact, and Alessia's hand ended up finding yours over the car's center console.

When your fingers gently squeezed hers, Alessia decided that, for now, the future could wait a second time.

---

​I'm not sure if I fully like this one or not, but I wanted to post something

[bronzebatlle]

Ona & Ella after the match 🥹🥹🥹

[russomething]

STUPID CUPID → ALESSIA RUSSO

𓆩♡𓆪 pairing: alessia russo x lioness!reader 𓆩♡𓆪 blurb: you and alessia are so painfully gay for one another anyone could see it from a mile away -- except apparently the two of you. luckily cupid has a name and it's ella toone. (based on this req.) 𓆩♡𓆪 word count: 2.4k 𓆩♡𓆪 genre: fluff, humour

There’s something deeply unfair about Alessia Russo existing in the same postcode as you, let alone on the same training pitch.

You’d convinced yourself it was fine, manageable. You could deal with the fact your teammate was the kind of beautiful that made strangers double-take on the street, the kind of gorgeous that didn’t even look like it was trying. You could handle that… at least in theory.

Training next to her every day, though? Seeing her laugh and being close enough to count the little silver flecks in her irises when the sun hit just right? That was another story entirely. Alessia Russo had you waxing poetic as if you were Shakespeare on each and every regular day.

It was always the little things. To name one of many examples, the way her hair caught the sunlight when she jogged out of the tunnel, or that easy laugh that carried across the pitch. Even the way she’d bite the inside of her cheek when she was focused, or chew her lip while listening to the coaches. None of it should mean anything, but of course it did. You were human, and a human who was head over heels in love with England’s star striker at that.

Not that you were ever going to say anything.

The two of you got on fine, great even, but you kept yourself firmly in the safe zone. Pure professionalism.. No lingering glances, no unnecessary conversations, and definitely no blurting out that you thought she was the prettiest thing to ever grace god’s green earth. 

The problem was Alessia didn’t exactly make it easy to ignore that bubbling in your chest. It was always simple, only a wave from across the pitch when you arrived late or a spare bib handed over with a grin – that one time during stretches when she pressed your knee down with her palm and you had to spend the rest of the day pretending your pulse wasn’t still rattling from the contact. She had no idea she was even doing it, but it caught you off guard every single time. 

Today was no different.

The sun was out, the mood was good, and Alessia was practically glowing. Sleeves rolled up over her forearms, chatting with Ella like she wasn’t singlehandedly ruining your ability to function.

You aimed for a quick escape after training.

No luck.

“Good session, you looked sharp,” Alessia said, stopping you in the corridor with that warm, unblinking eye contact you had no defence against.

You muttered something that might have been words, you couldn’t entirely swear to it, and made a beeline for the changing room. Ella’s knowing look followed you the whole way in.

The rest of the week wasn’t much better.

There was the water bottle incident(™), Alessia offering hers after yours ran out, your fingers brushing and holding just a little too long. The ice bath, thigh pressed against thigh under freezing water. That late-night in the hotel lobby, just the two of you, when you had every opportunity to say something real and instead had told the striker you liked her boots.

Every time, the moment slipped away.

Every time, you convinced yourself you’d imagined the way she was looking at you.

And every time, Ella was there, watching with that I’m about to interfere expression that you didn’t trust in the slightest.

–

Game night at England camp was supposed to be casual. Just a way to unwind after training, sitting cross-legged on beanbags and cushions in the players’ lounge with snacks your nutritionists wouldn’t approve of scattered across the table.

It was not supposed to turn into an all-out war over Uno.

Lotte is half-standing in her seat, brandishing a +4 like she’s about to duel Niamh for control of the deck. Niamh is calling her a cheat - loudly and repeatedly - and Ella is providing a running commentary from the corner as if this is live sport. Esme and Maya are her compelled audience, laughing at every anecdote and slamming their hands on the table in amusement. 

You’re sitting on the floor opposite Alessia. That should be fine, normal. But she’s leaning back on her hands with her legs stretched out, and every time she draws a card she glances up at you through her lashes like she’s checking for a reaction.

You try to focus on your hand, but when she catches your eye and grins, slow, like she knows exactly what she’s doing, your brain empties completely..

“You’ve got something,” she says suddenly, gesturing to her cheek.

You swipe at your face, confused. “What?”

“Other side.” She leans in, close enough that you catch the faint smell of her shampoo, and her fingers brush against your jaw as she wipes away what must be a crumb from the biscuits someone demolished earlier.

The room is still full of shouting, but you hear nothing except the loud, traitorous thud of your heartbeat.

“Thanks,” you manage, even if it comes out a little quieter than intended.

Alessia just smiles, casual as anything as if she hasn’t just caused you an aneurysm, and goes back to her cards.

Ella is not subtle about watching you from her perch on the arm of the sofa, if the pause in her running commentary is anything to go by.

The game drags on in chaos, but every time you play a card, Alessia’s foot finds yours under the table. It sits there like she doesn’t even know she’s touching you. There’s no wash of recognition across her face, so maybe she really hasn’t noticed. She probably thinks it's a table leg, or one of the other girls. Probably wondering Why is this object shaking so bad? as you battle your body to stay still. 

At one point, you both reach for the snack bowl at the same time. Her fingers brush over yours, and instead of pulling away, she picks up a crisp, holds it out to you, and says “For you.”

You take it, trying not to let anyone notice the way your hands are shaking.

If the others clock it, no one says anything. Except Ella, who catches your eye and mouths oh my God. Because of course she knows. You can’t get anything past Ella Toone, apparently even a secret crush on her best friend. Especially that, you suppose. 

By the time the game ends (Lotte declaring herself champion while Niamh demands a rematch), you’re not even sure you remember the rules. You’ve spent the last hour hopelessly, irretrievably, and very obviously panicking over Alessia’s existence.

And judging by the little smirk she throws over her shoulder as she heads to grab more drinks, she knows it.

–

The grand plan was put into action on that Thursday.

The morning session had been light, just tactics and recovery work, meaning everyone was in decent spirits. You were in even better spirits because you’d managed to make it through the day without any Alessia-induced cardiac emergencies. A couple of smiles, a playful nudge here and there, but nothing that made your stomach stage an Olympics level gymnastics routine.

Unfortunately, Ella had once again been watching you.

She’d been watching you all week.

So when she caught you and Alessia lingering in the corridor after lunch, Alessia holding the door for you like some sort of unfairly hot Victorian gentleman, Ella pounced.

“Hey, Y/N,” she called, voice bright and full of menace you should have noticed. “Can you just help me grab something real quick?”

You followed, because you’re a fool. And Alessia followed you, because she apparently cannot hear your name without appearing at your side like a tall, blonde summoning spell.

The “something” was, allegedly, in the far corner of the training ground’s storage room. Which was already suspicious enough. Before you could ask questions, Ella had waved you both in.

The door clicked shut.

You turned, far too slowly, and saw her through the narrow glass panel, grinning like the cat that got the cream. “SORT IT OUT!” she shouted, then made a show of locking the door. There was a beat of stunned silence, then Ella’s voice again, louder this time “OH MY GOD, YOU’RE BOTH GAY, JUST GET ON WITH IT!”

You wanted the floor to open up and swallow you whole.

Alessia, infuriatingly, was smiling. “She’s subtle,” she said, leaning back against the wall.

“She’s insane,” you muttered, jiggling the handle to confirm what you already knew, that it wasn’t budging and you were indeed stuck.

From the other side came another yell. “I’M NOT LETTING YOU OUT UNTIL SOMEONE SNOGS, SO CHOP CHOP!”

You shut your eyes, fighting the urge to scream. “She’s actually lost it.”

Alessia’s voice was quieter now, but still teasing. “Think she might be onto something, though.”

Your head snapped towards her. “Um. Sorry?”

Her gaze stayed on you, warm and just a little dangerous. “You’ve been avoiding me.”

“I haven’t–”

“You have,” she said simply, like it was fact. “Every time I talk to you, you look like you’re either going to bolt or… I don’t know… pass out.”

Your arms crossed, more to hide your clammy hands than out of any real defiance. “That’s not– it’s not–”

“If you don’t want me to talk to you,” she said softly, “you can just say so.”

You hated the way that made your chest ache. You never wanted her to feel that way about you, like you were purposefully choosing not to see her. Of course, that was what was going on, but you hadn’t wanted her to realise. “That’s not it.”

Her brows lifted. “No?”

The silence after that was heavy. The room was small, just endless shelves of cones and stacks of bibs. It smelled faintly of turf and detergent, not the most romantic setting, but with her standing this close you could hardly bring yourself to care. You could hear the muffled shouts from outside of those still in training, but in herehere, it was like everything had narrowed down to her.

You, Alessia, and the sound of your own pulse.

And Ella, apparently.

“I CAN HEAR THE SEXUAL TENSION FROM HERE, PLEASE JUST KISS AND PUT ME OUT OF MY MISERY.”

You groaned into your hands. Alessia laughed, bright and joyous, and when you looked up she was watching you like she was figuring something out.

You’d never been more aware of your own breathing. It was too loud, too fast, and far too obvious. 

Alessia was still leaning against the wall like she wasn’t trapped in here with a teammate who, at this point, might actually combust from sheer tension. Her arms folded loosely over her chest, the corner of her mouth twitching every so often, like she was holding back a smile she didn’t want you to see.

You tried for casual. Failed miserably. “So… uh… how’s your–”

Alessia actually snorted at that. “Don’t.”

“Don’t what?”

“Small talk,” she said, grinning now. “We’re locked in a broom cupboard, Y/N. You don’t need to ask me about my day.”

Your laugh came out too high-pitched to be safe. “Well, what do you suggest we do instead?”

From outside, Ella’s voice cut in before Alessia could answer “I suggest you two stop pretending you haven’t been eyeing each other like you’re a Champions League trophy”

You made a strangled noise and buried your face in your hands. “I swear to God, when I get out of here–”

“She’s not wrong,” Alessia said.

Now that shut you up faster than you ever thought possible. “Sorry?”

Her shoulders lifted in a small shrug. “I’m just saying… you do look at me sometimes. And I–” she hesitated, eyes flicking away for a second before locking back onto yours “--I look at you.”

Your brain went blank. “Oh.”

“Oh,” she repeated, and this time it was almost a challenge.

You shook your head too quickly. “That’s– that doesn’t– I don’t–I just… look… sometimes. You know… I’m impressed–”

“Y/N,” she said, tone suddenly firmer, “you’re rambling.”

“I’m not–”

“You are,” she cut in, stepping forward just enough to make the space between you feel electric. “And you’re doing that thing where you talk so much I forget what I was going to say.”

“I am not–”

And then she kissed you.

It wasn’t gentle. It wasn’t testing the waters. It was decisive, sure, and just the right side of desperate - like she’d been holding herself back for weeks and had finally decided she was done. Her hand came up to the side of your jaw, not rough but firm enough to keep you there, her mouth moving against yours like she had no intention of stopping any time soon.

It turned out kissing Alessia Russo was exactly as brain-melting as you’d imagined.

She tasted faintly of peppermint gum, her lips soft but insistent. Her fingers curved against your jaw like she’d decided you weren’t going anywhere until she was done. You didn’t even try to stop her, didn’t want to. Every time she tilted her head, the kiss deepened, and your knees became that little bit weaker.

She made a small noise against your mouth, frustration or relief you couldn’t tell, and you felt it all the way to your toes. Somewhere in the haze, your hands had found her waist, and now you were holding her like letting go wasn’t an option.

From outside, Ella’s voice piped up again “Oi, why’ve you gone quiet in there? Have someone passed out–”

The door clicked open mid-sentence.

You and Alessia jolted apart, but not far enough. Your lips were still dangerously close, your breathing ragged, and Ella’s eyes went wide before her face broke into a full-blown, I-knew-it grin.

“OH. MY. GOD.”

You could feel the heat flooding your face, but Alessia — to her credit — just leaned back against the wall, one arm still draped loosely around your waist like she wasn’t ashamed in the slightest.

Ella, meanwhile, was already halfway down the corridor, shouting to whoever would listen “THEY’RE SNOGGING! THEY’RE SNOGGING!”

You dropped your forehead to Alessia’s shoulder with a groan. “I thought that was what she wanted..?”

She laughed softly, squeezing your side. “Yeah but now she has to make sure we never live this down. Everyone will know in less than 30 seconds.

You couldn’t help but laugh, because honestly? With her still that close, her thumb brushing over your hip like it was the most natural thing in the world, you weren’t sure you cared.

a/n: such a fun req. thank you anon🫶

will try to get through a few more req. so i can open them again! apologies its taking so long i work full time eek. i hope you enjoyed this though! i hd a lot of fun writing it

[queen-of-reptiles]

𝙱𝙴𝚂𝚃 𝙵𝚁𝙸𝙴𝙽𝙳𝚂

𝙿𝙰𝚁𝚃 𝚃𝚆𝙾

description: In which Georgia Stanway and Leah Williamson’s younger sister are just best friends… right?

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georgia stanway x female reader

part one here

part two of the 'best friends' series

disclaimer: I am in now way saying Georgia is bi-sexual or lesbian, this is all fiction

warnings: some swear words, sadness, mutual pining, angst ANGST mother fuckin angst!

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Leah bounced on her heel excitedly, the blonde desperate to see her sister who has been in Germany for too long. The airport was buzzing with excited travellers as people occasionally gawped at Leah Williamson in her hoodie.

Leah was stood with two guards, and one of their social media guys, who were there to help and get the two girls to the camp - Leah having begged to come so she could see her sister.

Leah's head snapped across as she saw a glimpse of the two girls, her sister in a pair of leggings and a relaxed top, Georgia following behind headphones on.

At this, Leah paused, her eyebrows furrowed, because Georgia and y/n were inseparable and they never turned up without linked arms and yapping mouths.

But right now, the two looked as if they were strangers coming off the flight, not best friends. However, all of that was forgotten by Leah when her sister grinned widely and ran at her.

"Lee!" y/n called as she launched at the girl, her older sister pulling her into a tight hug as they laughed against each other.

"Munchkin!" Leah cheers as she puts her down. "You okay?" She asks, eyes filled with worry as y/n nods.

"Fine, missed you though." y/n smiles and Leah sighs and presses a kiss to her forehead, just as Georgia gets over.

"Hey G." Leah says and the girl smiles and hugs her.

"Hey Lee. God that flight, I just slept the entire time and I am ready to sleep more." Georgia says and Leah laughs, trying not to show her confusion.

The group get going to the car and Leah watches how her sister and her 'best friend' don't even look toward one another before sliding into opposite ends of the car and Leah sighs.

The two hardly ever fought, though when they did it had a tendency to be big, but Leah couldn't remember the last time it was like this. She couldn't remember a time when the two wouldn't even look at one another.

Leah sighs and she slides in, climbing over her sister to sit between the two who both had headphones on again and the blonde winced, the air was clearly filled with tension.

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When they got to the hotel, Leah followed the two to their room, noticing how they still hadn't said a word and she huffed as they unpacked in silence, and went to lunch in silence.

"Baby Williamson!" Lucy cheers as y/n walks in, the two meeting in a tight hug, as Keira hugged Georgia.

The woman noticed the tense shoulders of Georgia instantly and sent Leah and confused look. From behind the two younger women, Leah pointed at them both and mouther 'fighting'.

Lucy and Keira snapped into action, Keira taking Georgia away and Lucy doing the same to y/n, so the two could go find Lauren James, the Chelsea girl hugging y/n tightly also.

"Heard about you and Lohman." Lucy says as they grab some lunch and sit down.

"What do you mean?" y/n asks the girl with a scoff.

"It's all over twitter stupid." Lucy scoffs. "It's why I tell ya to be careful!" She adds.

She shows y/n what she means, loads of fans calling out their closeness, photographing the two who had gone out to lunch yesterday, saying they were together.

"Sydney and I are just friends." y/n says confused and Lucy winces.

"You sure?" She asks and y/n nods. "Because the fans have decided otherwise." Lucy adds.

The older woman and Leah had always been protective of y/n, especially with her dating life as they knew how invasive fans of the game were and what it did.

"Seriously Luce, just mates." y/n promises the girl as they eat, before going to do some gym training.

On the other side of the room, Georgia was pushing food around her plate as she talked with Leah and Keira, trying to ignore the ache in her heart as y/n jumped on Lauren's back, using her as a lift out of the room.

"Who am I next to on the plane?" Georgia asks, talking about the fact the England girls were leaving for Australia tomorrow, for the World Cup.

"Me." Keira says, looking over at Leah who nods.

"Yeah, I wanted to be next to y/n for a bit, hope that's okay?" Leah asks and Georgia nods.

"Yeah fine." She says, smiling at Leah as she looks back down at her food. "I'm not all that hungry, so shall we get goin'?" She asks, before standing up and walking out.

"Something is so wrong." Keira states.

"So wrong indeed." Leah agrees, before they follow Georgia out, rather worriedly.

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y/n was a lot happier when she got back to her room and got out of the shower. Seeing all of the people she would call her closest friends again really helped.

Lucy, the Lauren's, Keira, Mary, Millie, Jess, especially her sister, everyone made her feel so loved and so excited for the amazing time to come this summer.

The only thing missing was the fact Georgia just wouldn't look at her, they wouldn't look at each other and it was absolutely ripping y/n up as she walked back into the room.

"Bathroom's all yours." y/n says softly, ignoring the girl as she quickly changed into an oversized shirt to sleep in.

"Alright." Georgia says, her voice void of any tone or emotion. y/n sighs, trying to blink away the tears which were trying to form as she plugged her phone on charge and got into her bed.

y/n settles into bed, ignoring the way Georgia gets up and grabs a towel to take into the bathroom with her. y/n instead turns on her front and tries to close her eyes.

"I wish you would stop being so angry at me." Georgia says. "I'm not the one whose done this to us." She adds before y/n turns and sits up quick enough that it makes Georgia jump.

"I did this?" y/n asks her. "I didn't do this!" She says angrily. "I don't even know what this is, I don't know what I did!" y/n says at her.

"Yes you do!" Georgia says back, just as angry.

"No I don't Georgia, we were fine the night before we flew then for whatever reason you were pissy again the next morning!" y/n yells at her.

"We're not fine, we weren't fine that night!" Georgia denies. "Then you get your girlfriend to come and say goodbye, which by the way, you should really tell her!" Georgia continues.

"Girlfriend? What?" y/n asks her. "I don't have a girlfriend." y/n denies and Georgia scoffs.

"Oh yeah, tell that to Sydney." Georgia spits rather venomously.

"You know what Georgia?" y/n asks her, moving to pull her joggers on and slide her slippers on. "When you wanna have an adult conversation, you come to me." y/n sighs.

The girl then leaves the hotel room, not willing to listen to Georgia insult her friend any longer.

y/n walks down the hall and to Leah and Jordan's room, knowing full well Leah would probably be writing out game plan's for training and Jordon would be watching some TV show.

Knocking on the door, y/n waited for an answer, listening to the shuffle of feet as Leah got up and opened the door, being faced with her tearful younger sister.

"Can I stay with you guys for a bit?" y/n asks quietly and Leah nods, bringing her sister into a tight hug as she ushers her into the room with shushing noises.

y/n lets Leah guide her onto the bed, and her older sister wraps her into a hug, as the two settle on the bed, Jordon, noticing the quiet state the girl was in pauses her show.

"You okay chicky?" Jordon asks, coming from the other side and wrapping her arms around y/n also.

"Is it to do with G?" Leah asks knowingly.

y/n nods, letting out a small sob and Leah's heart breaks as she and Jordon squeeze the girl tighter, holding her as she quietly cries, trying not to be too loud.

"I just wish we could stop fighting." y/n sniffles.

"Why are you fighting my girl?" Leah asks her sister. "What is it all about?" She asks again.

"I can't talk about it right now." y/n denies. "I just didn't want to be alone." She adds and Leah sighs sadly, pressing a kiss to her sister's head.

"You're not alone, we've got you." Leah promises her and y/n nods her head, letting out a relieved sigh as she relaxes into Leah and Jordon's warm and safe hug.

Twenty minutes later, Jordon was back watching her show and Leah was watching her younger sister sleep peacefully on her lap, the blonde stroking through the younger girl's hair to keep her asleep.

Her tears had now dried and she had fallen asleep soon after, Leah staring down sadly and wishing that she would tell her what was wrong. That was when her phone buzzed.

From G <3: Is she with you?

To G <3: Yeah, she's asleep now. What is going on with you two?!

From G <3: I'm sorry Leah, if she wakes up, i've left the door on the latch for her x

And Leah sighed, knowing she would get no more from the girl as well and she couldn't help but wonder, what had gone so wrong?

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y/n just posted

Liked by, leahwilliamsonn, lucybronze and 343,392 others

tagged: leahwilliamsonn, LJ10, and 18 others

y/n my people make me happy <3

comments limited

leahwilliamson: love ya baby sis 💕

^

y/n: 💕💕

LJ10: superstarrr 🌟🌟

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y/n: taking after you ig xxx

lucybronze: aw you cute rat x 😚

^

y/n: did you just call me a rat grandma? 🤨🤨

^

lucybronze: watch it rat girl

^

y/n: fite me squeaky knees

keirawalsh: 🧡🧡

^

y/n: 🧡🧡

mbrighty04: love ya ! 🦁

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y/n: 💕🦁

lionesses: ❤️❤️

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y/n: ❤️❤️

see more comments...

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It wasn't hard to miss the looks Georgia was sending y/n, who was sat with her sister on the plane, even the social media team were clever enough to not film the two best friends apart.

Mainly because they knew the second they did, the internet would go crazy about why y/n and Georgia were sat apart, and not even looking at each other.

Sarina had sent Leah a questionable look, and the two had shared a quick discussion with their coffees where Leah promised to sort it, for the sake of the team.

However, when she and her sister woke up that morning, and y/n went to get her suitcase, it was clear that was going to be easier said than done.

y/n settled into her seat, enjoying the fancy first class seat as Leah sat next to her sister, the two looking at the complimentary gifts they had recieved, such as eye masks and ear plugs.

The plane began its taxi toward the runway and soon took off, y/n quickly falling into conversation with her sister as they played on her Switch, giggles coming from y/n which made Georgia sigh.

"What happened?" Keira asks Georgia, as the girl looked over at Leah and y/n's heads once more, she and Keira were sat four rows back from the two.

"I can't explain." Georgia denies, but Keira sent her a raised eyebrow and the girl crumbled. "It's her and Sydney." Georgia sighs and Keira furrows her brows.

"But they're not together, at all?" Keira asks.

"Yeah but everyone thinks they should be and they're being shipped and everything." Georgia rants and Keira furrows her brows.

"Why is that so bad?" Keira asks her quietly.

"Because it should be with me!" Georgia says finally, before covering her mouth in shock and Keira gasps, two heads pop up and over the chairs, Lucy and LJ appearing.

"Called it." Lucy said simply and Georgia huffs, however her heart did feel a little lighter at the fact she had now finally admit it.

"I love her but we've really got everything all tangled up." Georgia sighs, groaning and putting her head in her hands.

Keira's eyes soften, noticing the stress it was clearly causing the girl and she placed her hand on Georgia's back and rubbed calming circles.

"You're gonna have to just come clean G mate." Lucy says.

"Leah's gonna kill ya." LJ adds, not really thinking as she spoke, but wincing when Keira sends her a glare. Lucy and LJ slowly sinking to sit back down.

"How long have you had feelings?" Keira asks as Georgia sat back up.

"Too long to even want to think about." Georgia sighs before looking over at Leah, who was now looking over at her and gesturing for her to come over.

Georgia looks at Keira, the woman nodding her head encouragingly, and Georgia sighs as she stands up, moving over to Leah who sighs in relief.

"Look, she's super restless." Leah says, gesturing to the now sleeping y/n. "Can you do the magic hair thing?" She asks Georgia who swallows and nods.

Georgia slides into Leah's seat, moving the block so she could bring y/n to lie down onto her lap, her hands stroking through y/n's hair as she tries to calm her.

"Don't know how you do it." Leah scoffs as the girl instantly sinks into a deeper sleep and Georgia just shrugs.

"Just know that she likes it." She hums before Leah nods and walks to sit in Georgia's seat to talk to Keira. The media team quickly videos Georgia, the girl telling them to remain quiet as y/n sleeps.

She had admitted it, she had admitted the thing she had kept quiet for so long, now it was just telling y/n, and Leah, though the latter could wait.

All she had to do was tell her.

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The two had gotten to their room in silence once again. y/n had woken up after an almost 9 hour nap, Georgia asleep, still holding her, hands in her hair.

y/n could feel her heart speed up as she slowly pulled away from Georgia, making sure to pull a blanket over her to keep her asleep after losing y/n's warmth.

The girl had eaten and when Georgia woke up 2 hours later, y/n had offered her a switch controller, the two sharing a smile and the team releasing a breath of relief as their laughs started to ring out.

Then, once the plane landed several, several hours after that, the two were too tired as they trudged into their room, and quickly stripped to shower.

y/n went first, quickly changing into her sleep clothes as Georgia unpacked in what would be their place for the next several weeks, she noticed they both had double beds.

Then, y/n unpacked while Georgia showered and then crawled into bed, where a few seconds later, she felt be joined by someone else.

"Can I sleep here tonight?" Georgia asks softly against y/n's shoulder, arms sliding around her waist and y/n nods.

"Yeah, okay." y/n says softly and the two drift off to sleep, entangled in each other.

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When the two woke up, neither mentioned the night before. y/n simply got up and showered before training and Georgia followed suit.

There was a tension in the air, a pull between the two which neither knew what to do about. And even though they were giggling and laughing as they always did, everyone could feel it.

Throughout training Georgia played against y/n, the midfielder constantly trying to beat y/n, her eyebrows furrowing more and more when she couldn't, the form y/n was in seemed unstoppable.

It was when she made a goal line clearance in their training game which made Georgia's heart tear. LJ had grinned excitedly as the team cheered for their midfielder, LJ and y/n being on the same team.

LJ pulled y/n into a hug, lifting her up slightly as y/n laughed at the girl and Georgia's eye twitched. It was no secret that y/n and LJ were close or that LJ had a crush on the girl the first time they had met.

Unknown to Georgia, LJ knowing the Bayern player was in love with y/n, was trying to get a confession as soon as possible for the both of them to feel better.

But as the corner was taken and Georgia bashed into her causing Lauren to fall and wind herself, LJ had decided she had made a mistake in doing that.

"Georgia!" Sarina yelled angrily as y/n knelt down next to the winded girl, helping her up as she sent Georgia a confused look, the girl sighing as she walked over to Sarina.

"Look..." Georgia began but Sarina shook her head.

"Take a run, calm down." She ordered and Georgia did just that. Because she really did need to calm down.

However, at the end of training when y/n pulled her aside into an empty physio room, she was yet to calm down.

"What was that G?" y/n asked, eyes narrowed at her as Georgia shrugs. "LJ could have seriously been hurt." y/n chides and Georgia scoffs.

"Oh yes, poor LJ." Georgia mocks and y/n pinches the bridge of her nose in annoyance. "Look just leave me alone." Georgia says and y/n scoffs.

"Are you jealous?" y/n realises and Georgia pauses.

"Why would she be jealous, are you two together?" A voice asks and the two girls snaps their head to Leah, who was watching the two with protective eyes.

Leah was incredibly protective over her little sister, in game, off pitch, love life, all life. That was her baby sister and she would be damned if she wouldn't protect her.

"No Lee. I'm not her girlfriend." y/n promises her sister.

"No, but she'll still fuck me when she wants." Georgia adds, and y/n's world comes down in a second as Leah's eyes widen.

Georgia seems to realise the weight of her sentence too late, because as y/n raced out the door, tears in her eyes, her heart broke at the group of her team and Sarina stood at the door with open mouths.

And for the first time in a long while, the team saw the so called Baby England for what she was. A young girl, trying her best, and failing. And by the time Georgia had left the room, she was nowhere in sight.

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END OF PART TWO

[alotofpockets]

A different angle | Ella Toone x Reader

Where you're usually the one filming for Ella, but now change the angle to you as you film the proces of propsing to her

Woso masterlist | Words: 1.7k

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With your camera set up on its tripod, you sit down on the edge of your bed. After a quick double check if everything is set up well, you start talking. “Hello! I know you’re all used to me being behind the camera, and Ella being in front of it, but for this video I would like to use a different angle.”

You’ve been the one behind the camera for all of your girlfriend’s YouTube vlogs. A way for her to capture memories, and a way to connect with fans on a different level. When Ella had first shared that she wanted to start vlogging, you had instantly asked if you could help her out with filming and editing, as it was a hobby of yours that you wanted to spend more doing. Now many vlogs later, where you were always behind the camera, and only rarely on the camera yourself, you were the one speaking to the camera.

“This video will be a bit different from the ones that you’re used to.” You point to yourself, “Clearly.” You chuckle lightly before grabbing something just out of the frame. “Today I want to take you along on my journey to proposing to Ella.” 

Your eyes fall to the small box in your lap, your face lighting up at the thought of asking her to marry you. Then you open the box and show the ring off to the camera. “Do you think she'll like it?”

“As most of you know, we met in Ibiza through mutual friends. We love going back as often as we can, we love the island and what it means to us. So, I'm planning to ask her to marry me there. Ella will think we're making a holiday vlog, but I've got my secret filming plan. I can't wait to take you along, and make this for Ella to watch back. I'll see you in Ibiza!”

By now it was normal for you to have your camera out at any given moment, so Ella really would have no idea. Whether you were filming for her channel or a project for yourself, you always had a camera with you to capture your surroundings. Which now came in handy to capture all the behind the scenes of this trip and the proposal.

You spend the first two days enjoying your vacation. On day one you visited your favourite food spots, and markets, and ended the night at one of the clubs dancing the night away. Then on day two you rented a boat and spent the day on the water, enjoying the sun and an occasional swim. 

Everything was perfect, spending some down time together away from the busy lives you led back in England. It was some much needed time away, and you knew it was only going to get better from there.

On day three, Ella was meeting a friend, while you stayed back at the hotel. She had invited you along, but you had told her to spend some time with her friend that she hadn’t seen in a while, and that you would start working on the vlog. You knew her friend was going to be there, you were the one to invite her there so you could get everything ready for your proposal later today.

You filmed every part of the day. Watching the team you hired set up the most beautiful set up you could imagine. After you had found the perfect spot on a cliff looking out over the water, you had gotten to work with one of their designers, so now you had a gigantic heart framed by roses with a neon ‘will you marry me?’ sign hanging in the middle of it. In front of the heart, you were busy setting up a picnic for the two of you to enjoy after.

While you waited for Ella’s friend to bring her over, you continued editing the video you had been creating, wanting to share it with her as soon as you could. As you were finalizing what you had filmed so far, your phone dinged with a message. They just stepped out of the car, and were heading your way. You press record on your own camera that you had put on its tripod to get the wide view, and tell the rest of the videographers and photographers that Ella was nearly there. 

When you could hear Ella’s voice in the distance, you got into position. Down on one knee in front of the sign, with the ring box open for her to see. You were excited and nervous all at once, but you try to share the nerves off as much as possible.

Then Ella and her friend reached the top of the cliff and your set up came into view. You heard Ella audibly gasp before running the rest of the way to you, tears already falling down her cheeks when she stopped in front of you. “Yes! Yes! Yes!” 

“I haven’t even asked yet.” You chuckle with the biggest smile on your face, tears now also rolling down your cheeks. “Sorry, I got excited. Go for it.” You reach out to hold her hand, and give it a soft squeeze. “I love doing life with you. We’ve had our fair shares of up’s and down’s in life, and with you by my side, I know that I’ll be alright no matter what. You’ve shown me so much love over the years, and I want to show you the same kind of love for the rest of our lives. Ella Ann Toone, will you marry me?”

She nods her head up and down quickly. “Yes, I will marry you!” You smile wide and take the ring out of the box to slide it onto her finger. Once she’s wearing the ring she helps you up and pulls you into a hug. “Omg, we’re engaged!” 

The two of you take a moment to take it all in, while all the cameras are still rolling and capturing everything, before you take a moment to take your official engagement pictures. Neither one of you could stop smiling, everything was perfect.

Then finally it was just the two of you and the picnic. “Can I show you something?” Ella nods, so you grab your bag and take out your laptop. The video was already open on the screen, all you had to do was press play, which you did without further explanation.

“This video will be a bit different from the ones that you’re used to.” You point to yourself, “Clearly.” You chuckle lightly before grabbing something just out of the frame. “Today I want to take you along on my journey to proposing to Ella.” 

Ella’s mouth falls open. “You filmed it all?” You smile and nod proudly. Together you watch you picking out Ella’s ring with her mom, and going over your plans to propose, setting up the proposal spot, and then the next part is the one you wanted her to see most of all of the things you had filmed.

It’s another shot of you sitting in the house, this time you had set up on the sofa with the wall of memorabilia and pictures in your home behind you. “Hi Ella, this next part is going to be a little extra special. I wanted to give you a little introduction before I show it to you, as it’s a clip from almost two years ago. Here is a chat between me and Nick that I will always hold very close to my heart.”

Ella looks up to you, tears already welling up in her eyes again. Then she quickly looks back to the screen, where she sees you in your England kit, proudly showing the camera the back with Toone displayed on the back. After showing off her last name on your back, you walk towards the camera to turn it off, but the video doesn’t stop. It keeps rolling as you step back, and her dad walks into the frame.

There's a nervous glint in your eyes for a moment, but then you turn to Nick, leaving the camera rolling. “Do you remember when you asked me what my intentions were with Ella all the way back when we first started dating?” He looks a little taken by surprise, but his smile grows. “Yeah haha, I do remember. Oh how the times have changed, huh?” 

“They really have. So much so that I would like to give you an updated answer.” You play with the hem of your jersey, now a lot more nervous. “I’m not going to ask her right now, I don’t think we’re ready for that yet, but..” You take a moment, taking a deep breath in, before slowly releasing it. “I intend to marry her one day.”

Ella’s head snaps to yours for a moment, tears now freely flowing. After losing her dad last year, she would have never in a million years thought that she was going to have her father bless her engagement, but here it was. You had caught it all on video.

Nick smiles bright, “That makes me really happy. You make Ella really happy, and I think she makes you happy as well. You’re already family.” Then he brings you in for a hug. “Come on, let’s watch our girl play.” 

Then the video cuts out after that. Ella leans into you, and you quickly wrap your arms around her to comfort her. “That means more to me than you know.” You wipe away your own tears, “Yeah, I’m glad I accidentally kept my camera rolling that day.” 

Ella leans back slightly and smiles through the tears, “Thank you.” You wipe away some of the tears on her cheek with your thumb, before kissing her. She said yes, and you were going to spend the rest of your life trying your best to make her as happy as she was today.

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